Teeth whiteners and some toothpastes or mouthwashes use hydrogen peroxide to whiten or disinfect teeth, penetrating and reacting to molecules or conditions that usually cause stains or changes in tooth tone.
The higher the proportion of peroxide, the greater its bleaching power. Currently, there are three ways to use this product: by means of strips that adhere to the denture, through custom-made covers or with gels that are applied directly on each tooth.
Hydrogen peroxide is the common hydrogen peroxide. Apply one at home hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, is not recommended! This technique can cause serious irritation to the gums, tongue and even the roof of the mouth. As a result, our crowns, fillings or dental implants will also be damaged.
Hydrogen peroxide is an excess of oxygen for our mouth. Although it may seem beneficial, there are many studies that show the negative effects of this product.
A trend has developed to use hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener. However, contraindications that can seriously harm oral health go unnoticed.
This use can even be the cause of gingival retraction, that is, periodontal disease. In addition, using hydrogen peroxide directly on the teeth can increase tooth sensitivity, since the enamel is seriously damaged.
Excessive use of this product will cause an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the mouth, which will lead to the development of other bacteria. Through hydrogen peroxide, tissues are «burned» and irritated.
Índice
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that contains mostly hydrogen and oxygen. It is usually similar to hydrogen peroxide. However, its texture turns out to be subtly thicker and more viscous.
At room temperature it looks like a penetrating and unpleasant liquid, but you should know that in the air it is naturally found as small portions of gaseous hydrogen peroxide.
The rate at which it decomposes tends to increase greatly with ferments and, although it is considered non-flammable, it is a potent oxidizing agent that once it comes into contact with organic matter or certain metals, such as copper, silver or bronze, tends to cause spontaneous incineration.
How Is Hydrogen Peroxide H2o2 Used?
Hydrogen peroxide is usually found in low concentrations, ranging from three to nine percent in many household products, for medicinal uses and as a clothing and hair bleach. But, really, it goes much further. Among the most frequent uses can be highlighted the following:
Medicinal uses
It is usually in those elements that will never be missing in first aid kits due to its disinfectant properties. In fact, some leukocytes generate hydrogen peroxide naturally and works as a defense method against bacteria, viruses, toxins and fungi, among other pollutants for the body. Because of this, doctors usually recommend it for wounds, as it will not only help prevent certain infections, but also stimulate healing.
Uses in aesthetics
Due to its decomposition impact on melanin, it is used as a bleach in beauty salons and is added as a chemical compound in some hair products. In addition, its oxidation potential is ideal for making uniform color dyes and is used to help neutralize tones that need to be balanced.
Scientific uses
In other areas, such as science, it is often used to measure the activity of certain enzymes, such as catalase.
Dental uses
In the world of dentistry, it is often used in various ways, such as whitening treatments, either by splints or LED lamps. However, the duration of these treatments will depend on the degree of coloration and the bleaching product used.
They can be performed in several interventions of less than sixty minutes in the dentist’s office or at home. However, when used at home, a whitening gel with a much more delayed process will be required for ten to fourteen days in a row.
Inthe latter case, splints with whitening gel are usually indicated, since they are used at night. However, you should know that they are composed of carbamide peroxide, instead of hydrogen peroxide.
The difference between both compounds will lie only in the effect of action they exert on the denture and also in the speed in which the results are obtained.
Simultaneously, it is also usually used to solve gingival pathologies and reduce dental plaque, releasing the oxygen contained in the compound and turning it into a gaseous state.
Oxygen helps eradicate the pathogens present in the most aggressive conditions of these pathologies. It makes it much more difficult, or even impossible, for anaerobic bacteria to survive.
The other way in which it can relieve pathologies and, in turn, improve oral health, is by breaking the silt barrier that safeguards plaque and then completely eradicating the cell walls of bacteria.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work In Dentistry?
This product works when between twenty and sixty-five minutes have passed since its application, releasing its whitening effect and eradicating stains that affect the teeth.
However, the most effective operation to reach the bacteria located deep in the periodontal pockets occurs when the application is in the form of a gel. In these cases, it should be left on for eight to twelve minutes.
Due to its short duration, its time of use is also scarce. Therefore, it is positioned as an ideal product for sessions with LED lamp to which patients who want to perform teeth whitening are subjected.
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