The Hazards of Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Jun 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I noticed that my friend has been rinsing his mouth with hydrogen peroxide, and I would like to know what the potential risks or harms of using hydrogen peroxide for mouth rinsing are.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The risks of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash mainly involve damage to the oral cavity. 1. Hydrogen peroxide is strongly oxidizing and irritating. Prolonged or improper use may damage the oral mucosa and, in severe cases, may even cause oral ulcers. 2. Its weak acidity may lead to loss of calcium ions from teeth, damaging the enamel and causing surface erosion. 3. High-concentration hydrogen peroxide may irritate the tongue papillae, leading to papillary hyperplasia, swelling, protrusion, and congestion. 4. Long-term use of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may disrupt the balance of oral flora, causing dysbiosis and potentially triggering other oral diseases. Therefore, when using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, it is essential to strictly follow medical advice to ensure proper concentration and duration, avoiding adverse effects on oral health.