Is hydrogen peroxide harmful for teeth whitening?

Hydrogen peroxide, which we usually call hydrogen peroxide, has a certain antioxidant effect and a whitening effect. It is also used to whiten teeth. For example, some whitening toothpastes often contain such substances. Moderate use can have a good whitening effect on teeth. However, if used frequently, it can cause great harm to teeth and pose certain potential risks to dental health.

1. Some tooth cleaning products contain hydrogen peroxide

In supermarkets, you can see various whitening products such as whitening strips, tooth powder, whitening toothpaste, and whitening film. Their promotions look very attractive, such as "whitening immediately after use" and "effective in 3 days". What are the whitening effects of these products? How can we distinguish and purchase them?

First of all, we need to understand the reasons why teeth turn yellow and black. Huang Shaohong, deputy director of Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital and the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University, introduced that there are two main types of infection: external infection and internal infection. External staining refers to the original normal color of teeth, but daily diet such as drinking tea, coffee, and smoking causes pigments to adhere to the teeth, which gradually turn the tooth surface yellow or black over time. Over time, these substances will gradually penetrate from the surface of the teeth into the inside of the teeth, forming internal stains, which will gradually discolor the inside of the teeth. Internal staining refers to changes in tooth color due to various reasons during the development process. If there is too much fluoride in the drinking water, it can cause fluorosis.

For yellow teeth caused by external stains, the main function of whitening products is cleaning, which is equivalent to a detergent, removing stains and restoring the original color of teeth. Whitening strips and tooth powder belong to this category. They have a certain effect on teeth whitening, but it is limited after all because it is only for daily whitening. As for internally stained yellow teeth, bleaching products should be used, the main ingredient of which is hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide).

2. EU restricts the use of products containing hydrogen peroxide

It has been proven that hydrogen peroxide can indeed whiten the skin to a certain extent, but it also has certain potential risks.

In 2010, the European Union restricted the use of tooth whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide and other compounds or mixtures that release hydrogen peroxide, including carbamide peroxide and zinc oxide in cosmetics, in order to manage the use of hydrogen peroxide and other compounds or mixtures that release hydrogen peroxide, including carbamide peroxide and zinc oxide in cosmetics. The maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide present or released in tooth whitening or bleaching products is 6%. After learning about the EU's restriction on the use of teeth whitening and bleaching products, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine stated that teeth whitening or bleaching products are widely used by consumers in developed countries such as Europe and the United States. In recent years, teeth whitening or bleaching products have also gradually entered the Chinese market. However, the phenomenon of improper use of teeth whitening in pursuit of teeth whitening effects or the side effects of bleaching products have become increasingly prominent and need to be taken seriously.

The American Dental Association has warned that when the hydrogen peroxide content in whitening agents reaches 15%-35%, it can easily cause tooth sensitivity, irritation of oral soft tissue or gums and other problems. Huang Shaohong also said that because hydrogen peroxide is a chemical substance, it should not be used excessively for a long time, and it is best not to use it on children and pregnant women.

3. Experts comment on teeth whitening products

The working principle of whitening tooth film is very simple, that is, through a layer of thin film patch, the whitening chemical components are wrapped on the teeth, and after slow penetration, they gradually play the role of whitening teeth.

If you want to rely on dental films to whiten your teeth, I have to regretfully tell you that the whitening effect of this type of product is only temporary and will return to its original state in a short time.

Whitening tooth strips are usually household products containing hydrogen peroxide, and their concentration is often low. The key is that there are many reasons for tooth discoloration and yellowing. If the teeth turn dark due to tetracycline teeth, fluorosis, or dental nerve necrosis, the effect of whitening tooth strips is insignificant.