Hydrogen peroxide is the solution of choice for gum health.
For almost 100 years, dentists have been using hydrogen peroxide alone or in combination with salt water for antiseptic and cleansing purposes. Hydrogen peroxide comes in many strengths. When treating your gums, use the 3 percent solution consisting of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 97 percent water that can be found in most drug stores and supermarkets. The solution is for external use only. It can be used in the mouth, but do not swallow the solution.
Treatment for Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums
If you have gingivitis, you have an inflammation of the tissue caused by bacterial plaque between the gums and the teeth. Your gums may bleed frequently. For treatment, most dentists recommend regular flossing and cleaning with a soft brush and, if an antiseptic rinse is needed, the standard choice is a rinse of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. If gum surgery is required, the healing of wounds following surgery is enhanced by the antimicrobial effects of hydrogen peroxide.
Treatment for Trench Mouth
If you have trench mouth, an amplified and more serious inflammation of the gingival tissue, you will have swollen, possible bleeding gums and sores. The term "trench mouth" comes from World War I, when the disorder was common among soldiers on the battlefield. You have a painful bacterial infection, possibly caused by inadequate oral hygiene, that may also result in bad breadth. In cases of trench mouth, hydrogen peroxide is recommended to rinse the gums and facilitate the removal dying and dead gum tissue.
Treatment for Canker Sores
Canker sores are just another form of mouth ulcer and can appear at the base of the gums, on the cheeks, tongue or lips. Treatment may not be necessary for canker sores because they eventually heal themselves. A solution of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, often further diluted with water, is recommended by dentists for this gum and mouth condition. The solution can be applied by a swab directly to the canker or as a rinse solution.
Treatment for Chemotherapy or Radiation
Good oral care is highly recommended for those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If mucositis, an inflammation of mucous membranes in the mouth, occurs and is followed by crusting sores, the National Cancer Institute recommends using a rinse of hydrogen peroxide and water or saltwater. This rinse should not be used for more than 2 days; otherwise, it may prevent the mucositis from healing.
Long-Term Effects
An article in the September 1995 issue of the Journal of Periodontology mentions possible health concerns about prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide. The authors report that animal studies confirm no adverse effects from prolonged exposure involving hydrogen peroxide solutions of 3 percent or less. Studies also show that in patients themselves, prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide decreased plaque and gingivitis.
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