How to Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide: 9 Steps (2024)

  • Categories
  • Health
  • Teeth and Mouth Health
  • Tooth Health
  • Whitening Teeth

Download Article

Explore this Article

methods

1Using Commercially-Available Whiteners

2Trying Natural Peroxide Whiteners

Other Sections

Video

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

Article Summary

Co-authored byAlina Lane, DDS

Last Updated: February 13, 2024Approved

Download Article

Gleaming white teeth signal youth and vitality to many people. But as we age or consume products like tobacco or caffeine that can stain tooth surfaces, our teeth may look yellowish and dingy.[1] Although using hydrogen peroxide products or home mixtures may cause tooth sensitivity, you can safely use commercially-available hydrogen peroxide products or a home hydrogen peroxide mixture to whiten your teeth.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Commercially-Available Whiteners

Download Article

  1. 1

    Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Purchase a whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Brush with the product at least twice daily for at least one month to see results.[2]

    • Buy a product with at least 3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which is the standard amount. Be aware that the more hydrogen peroxide in a product, the likely it is to make your teeth sensitive.
    • Brush your teeth twice a day with the toothpaste. It can take four to six weeks to notice results.[3]
    • Recognize that toothpastes only remove surface stains from activities like drinking or smoking.[4]
    • Consider using another peroxide product in addition to a toothpaste to get deeper stains and have better results.
    • Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to minimize the risk of using an unsafe product.
  2. 2

    Place gel-filled trays on your teeth. There is some evidence that gel-filled trays with a 3% hydrogen peroxide gel can significantly whiten teeth.[5] Buy an over-the-counter gel tray or have your dentist prescribe one.[6]

    • Buy either pre-filled trays or trays you fill with a product at your local pharmacy. Be aware that these products will fit most mouths and are not molded to your own teeth.[7]
    • Ask your dentist to mold a tray to your mouth and give you a higher concentration peroxide solution for more optimal results.[8]
    • Leave the tray in your mouth for the time suggested on the packaging. Most trays require application for 30 minutes three times a day for two weeks.[9]
    • Discontinue use if you experience serious sensitivity, though most will stop after the treatment. Talk to you dentist about whether or not you should continue use.
    • Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to reduce the risk of getting an unsafe product.

    Advertisement

  3. 3

    Apply whitening strips. Whitening strips are similar to trays but are more flexible and come with the peroxide solution already on the product. Apply whitening strips to your teeth if you want a pre-filled treatment that is flexible and doesn’t necessarily touch your gums, which can be sensitive to peroxide. Strips are just as safe as trays and provide better results than just brushing.[10]

    • Consider using strips if you’ve had gum sensitivity with trays. Simply place the strips below your gum line.
    • Buy whitening strips based on how much you want to whiten your teeth or mouth sensitivity. There are many different products available that offer results such as quicker and deeper whitening or strips for sensitive teeth.
    • Follow all of the packaging directions and discontinue use if you have serious sensitivity.
    • Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help ensure you are getting a safe product.
  4. 4

    Use a brush-on gel. Some companies offer hydrogen peroxide whiteners that you can brush or paint on your teeth. These products come in different forms such as a pen or bottle of solution with brush.

    • Compare different formats and see which one works best for your needs. For example, you might find it easier to use a pen-like applicator than one that is a brush and bottle of solution.
    • Apply the product before bedtime each night for two weeks.[11] During the treatment period, avoid eating sugary foods and drinking beverages that could potentially stain your teeth, such as coffee.
    • Follow the package instructions and discontinue use if your teeth and/ or gums are very sensitive.
  5. 5

    Consider a professional bleaching treatment. Dentists offer professionally applied hydrogen peroxide treatments used in conjunction with light or laser. Consider this option if you have very stained teeth or if you prefer to whiten with peroxide under a doctor’s supervision.

    • Be aware that dentists will use a hydrogen peroxide solution in the concentration of 25–40%, which is not available over-the-counter.
    • Consider this option if you have sensitive gums — inform your dentist that you have sensitive teeth or gums. Your dentist will protect your gums with a rubber dam or gel before the procedure.
    • Ask your dentist if this is the best option for you. It can be expensive and insurance may not cover the treatment.
  6. Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trying Natural Peroxide Whiteners

Download Article

  1. 1

    Be aware of the risks of using hydrogen peroxide. There is conflicting consensus about the use of hydrogen peroxide in non-commercial products to whiten teeth.[12] Using non-tested mixtures with hydrogen peroxide on your teeth can cause oral sensitivity and other abnormalities on your gums.[13]

    • Talk to your dentist before you try whitening your teeth with hydrogen peroxide or any mixtures with it.
    • Be aware that while these natural methods may be less expensive, they could cause damage that is expensive to correct.
    • Recognize that these solutions only clean surface stains and may not be as effective as commercially available hydrogen peroxide products.
    • Make sure to use the lowest concentration hydrogen peroxide possible to help protect your gums and oral cavity.[14]
  2. 2

    Swish with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. There is some evidence that rinsing with a hydrogen peroxide and water mouthwash can be safe when used over a longer period of time. It may also whiten your teeth and help prevent stains.[15] Swish a mixture in your mouth daily to help whiten your teeth and ward off bacteria.

    • Use 2–3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which you can get at your local pharmacy. Using anything higher in your mouth cavity can be dangerous.
    • Pour 1 cup of the peroxide into a cup and mix it with 1 cup of distilled water.
    • Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute.
    • Spit out the solution when you’re finished or if the solutions hurts. Rinse your mouth with water.
    • Avoid swallowing the mouthwash, which could cause health problems.
    • Consider buying a commercially available mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide.
  3. 3

    Make a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Using a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can whiten your teeth and soothe sore gums. Brush with the paste daily or use it a couple of times a week like a mask.

    • Make sure you’re using 2–3.5% hydrogen peroxide.
    • Put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda into a dish. Add a small amount of the peroxide and mix it with the baking soda. Keep adding a small amount of peroxide until you have a thick-ish paste.
    • Brush the paste onto your teeth in small, circular motions for two minutes.[16] You can also apply it with your fingertips to stimulate your gums.
    • Brush with the paste for a couple of minutes or leave it on your teeth for a few minutes for best results.
    • Rinse the solution off of your teeth by swishing with water from the bathroom sink.
    • Rinse the paste off of your teeth.
  4. 4

    Prevent staining if possible. In addition to using your natural products, avoid anything that might stain your teeth if you can. Brushing or rinsing right after you consume them may help reduce staining.[17]Things that can stain your teeth or make them more prone to staining are:

    • Coffee, tea, red wine[18]
    • White wine and clear sodas, which can make your teeth more prone to staining
    • Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.[19]
  5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    Will whitening with hydrogen peroxide make my teeth more sensitive?

    Alina Lane, DDS
    Board Certified Dentist

    Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.

    Alina Lane, DDS

    Board Certified Dentist

    Expert Answer

    It may temporarily, but this is normal. Peroxide-based products remove the outer salivary layer from your teeth. When that's removed, it can leave your teeth a little more sensitive until the salivary layer is restored, which takes about 2 days.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 0Helpful 2

  • Question

    How does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?

    Alina Lane, DDS
    Board Certified Dentist

    Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.

    Alina Lane, DDS

    Board Certified Dentist

    Expert Answer

    It removes the outer salivary layer, also called the pellicle layer, from your teeth, then lifts the stain from under that layer.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 1Helpful 3

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Use some fluoride gel that will help your teeth get more protection after the immediate whitening procedure.

        Thanks

        Helpful2Not Helpful0

      • Try not to eat for at least one hour after completing your whitening treatment in order to let the saliva remineralize your teeth.

        Thanks

        Helpful2Not Helpful0

      • In order to preserve a long-term whitening result you need to avoid consuming red, black or intense-colored foods.

        Thanks

        Helpful2Not Helpful0

      Show More Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be careful not to swallow hydrogen peroxide during the whitening process. Call your dentist, doctor, or Poison Control if this accidentally happens.

        Thanks

        Helpful26Not Helpful29

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Hydrogen peroxide
      • Baking soda
      • Toothbrush

      You Might Also Like

      How toWhiten Teeth with Natural MethodsHow toWhiten Teeth in an Hour
      How toWhiten Teeth With Baking SodaHow to Apply Crest 3D White Strips: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Radiant Smile (with or without LED Light)How to Apply Whitening StripsBest Ways to Quickly Remove Stains from Teeth How to Brighten Your Teeth with a Whitening PenHow toGet Whiter Teeth at HomeHow toWhiten TeethHow toGet Rid of Yellow TeethHow toWhiten Your Teeth with Banana PeelHow toUse the LED Light to Whiten Teeth with Whitening TraysHow toBleach Your Teeth

      Advertisement

      More References (10)

      About This Article

      How to Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide: 9 Steps (33)

      Co-authored by:

      Alina Lane, DDS

      Board Certified Dentist

      This article was co-authored by Alina Lane, DDS. Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013. This article has been viewed 3,243,390 times.

      5 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 47

      Updated: February 13, 2024

      Views:3,243,390

      Categories: Whitening Teeth

      Medical Disclaimer

      The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

      Read More...

      Article SummaryX

      If you want to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, it’s safest to use a commercially-available product like a whitening toothpaste or a gel-filled tray. If you do use household hydrogen peroxide, try swishing with a mixture of at least one part water to one part hydrogen peroxide. You can also make a whitening paste out of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, then dip your toothbrush in the paste and brush as usual. However, you should be aware that this can cause oral sensitivity and abnormalities on your gums. To learn more from our Dental Surgeon co-author, like how to whitening strips with peroxide solution on them, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      In other languages

      Español:blanquear los dientes con agua oxigenada

      Deutsch:Zähne mit Wasserstoffperoxid aufhellen

      Português:Clarear os Dentes com Água Oxigenada

      Français:blanchir vos dents avec de l’eau oxygénée

      Русский:отбелить зубы перекисью водорода

      中文:用双氧水美白牙齿

      Nederlands:Tanden bleken met waterstofperoxide

      Bahasa Indonesia:Memutihkan Gigi dengan Hidrogen Peroksida

      العربية:تبييض الأسنان باستخدام بيروكسيد الهيدروجين

      한국어:과산화수소로 치아 미백하는 방법

      ไทย:ทำให้ฟันขาวด้วยไฮโดรเจนเปอร์ออกไซด์

      हिन्दी:हाइड्रोजन पेरोक्साइड से दांतों में सफेदी लायें

      Türkçe:Dişler Hidrojen Peroksitle Nasıl Beyazlatılır

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,243,390 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide: 9 Steps (34)

        Andrea T.

        Sep 23, 2016

        "I have been whitening my teeth for a couple of weeks now - I use a mixture of peroxide and baking soda. I wanted to..." more

      More reader storiesHide reader stories

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement

      How to Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide: 9 Steps (2024)
      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Recommended Articles
      Article information

      Author: Melvina Ondricka

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6836

      Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

      Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Melvina Ondricka

      Birthday: 2000-12-23

      Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

      Phone: +636383657021

      Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

      Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

      Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.