Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy gums and teeth.
Sometimes even with regular brushing and flossing, gum disease can occur. Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that supports the teeth.
While there are various treatments available for gum disease, some people prefer to use natural remedies like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
In this article, we will explore the use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for gum disease and whether or not they are effective in treating this condition.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reaction
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can react to produce oxygen gas and water according to the following balanced equation:
2H2O2 + 2NaHCO3 → 2H2O + 2CO2 + 2Na + O2(g)
When used together for teeth whitening, the baking soda acts as an abrasive to scrub away surface stains while the hydrogen peroxide helps to whiten teeth and kill bacteria.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can help to neutralize acids in the mouth that can cause tooth decay.
It is also mildly abrasive, which means that it can scrub away surface stains on the teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid that can break down the chemical bonds that cause stains to stick to the tooth enamel.
It also helps to kill bacteria in the mouth, which can help to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for teeth
To use this mixture for teeth whitening, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together until you get a toothpaste-like consistency.
You can then apply this paste to your teeth and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.
However, it is important to note that while this method is generally safe, it is not recommended for everyone.
People with sensitive teeth should not use this method, and it is always a good idea to talk to your dentist before trying any new dental treatments.
It is not recommended to put hydrogen peroxide and baking soda directly into your mouthwash as they may cause irritation or damage to your mouth tissues.
However, you can use a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as active ingredients.
Can I put hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in my mouthwash?
It is possible to make a mouthwash using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but it is important to use caution as it can be potentially irritating to the gums and other tissues in the mouth.
Hydrogen peroxide can be a strong bleaching agent, and baking soda can be abrasive, so it is recommended to use them in moderation and dilute them properly.
Here is a simple recipe to make hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mouthwash that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a cup.
- Add water and mix well.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Note that you should always consult with your dentist before using any new oral care product, especially if you have sensitive teeth, gums, or mouth tissues.
How to use hydrogen peroxide for gum disease
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a home remedy to help treat gum disease. To use it, you should mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
This can be repeated once or twice a week. It is important not to swallow the solution, as hydrogen peroxide shouldn’t be ingested in large quantities.
The solution is believed to help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth that contribute to gum disease.
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for gum disease (gingivitis &periodontal)
Studies have conflicting results about the benefits of using sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide over commercial dentifrices in periodontal therapy.
Some studies have shown that this combination can kill some of the bacteria that cause gum disease, reduce plaque, and decrease gum inflammation because of the additional antimicrobial agents.
This study, for instance, examined the effects of combining sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) on tooth color and microhardness.
Seventy-five bovine incisors were divided into five groups and treated with different whitening agents over 10 days.
Color and microhardness were measured before and after treatment. Results showed that group 4 had the greatest improvement in color change, while groups 2 and 4 had significantly greater microhardness compared to the other groups.
The combination of 94% NaHCO3, 1.5% H2O2, and CPP-ACPF was found to be effective in improving tooth color and microhardness and may be recommended for clinical use.
This study looked at whether sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide can improve the microbial flora of 4 to 7 mm periodontal pockets.
Four patients were instructed to brush certain areas of their mouth with a sodium bicarbonate-3% hydrogen peroxide paste, while other areas were treated with fluoridated paste.
No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of changes in the microbial flora.
Probing depths decreased during the study, but there were no differences between the two groups.
Therefore, it was concluded that sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide did not have any special benefits in reducing the microbial flora of periodontal pockets.
A controlled clinical study involving professional application of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and povidone-iodine showed greater improvements in clinical attachment and bone mass compared to brushing with toothpaste and water, but scaling and root planing were necessary to achieve these results.
It is difficult to determine which agent was responsible for the improvements, and professional application may be a crucial factor.
However, it is important to note that using this mixture improperly or excessively can lead to gum irritation and potentially damage the gums.
It is best to consult with a dental professional before using this or any other home remedies for gum disease.
Additionally, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, to prevent and treat gum disease.
What Next?
However, this remedy should not replace regular dental checkups and professional cleanings in the treatment of gum disease or any other oral health condition.