Hydrogen Peroxide With Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a serious infection, and when left untreated could lead to loss of one of more of your teeth. The treatment for periodontal infection can be expensive. There are things you can use at home to lessen your risk of losing your teeth, and hydrogen peroxide is one of them.

• There are many things you can do to prevent gum disease.

Definition

• Periodontal disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal means around the tooth, therefore these diseases affect the gums and bones that support the teeth. The bacteria in plaque attack the gums and causes inflammation.

Function

• The gums support our teeth in our mouth and hold them securely in place so we need to keep them healthy. Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective mouthwash according to the using-hydrogen-peroxide.com website. Simply swish 1 percent or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide through your teeth daily. If you feel the 3 percent is too strong you can dilute it with water. Daily use of this will kill bacteria and viruses in your mouth, which is particularly helpful during cold and flu season.

Prevention

• The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good daily oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and make it a habit to floss daily also. This takes just a few minutes and greatly increases your chance of keeping your teeth throughout your golden years.

  Obesity, an unhealthy diet, clenching or grinding your teeth and stress can all play a role in increasing your risk of gum disease.

Facts

• Smokers are three times more likely to have periodontitis as non-smokers, according to the February 2004 issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

  Things you cannot control, such as genetics, medication side effects, diabetes and other diseases, adolescent changes, menopause and pregnancy, can all increase your risk of periodontal disease. Therefore, using hydrogen peroxide as a dental aide may help delay or prevent gum disease.

Significance

• According to the educate-yourself.org website, Dr. David G. Williams touted the many benefits of hydrogen peroxide. He stated it could be used as a mouthwash or as toothpaste by mixing it with baking soda.
  The website superteeth.us states that hydrogen peroxide is effective in killing the bacteria that is at the root of periodontal disease and that over time it can whiten your teeth also. The website states that using the peroxide in a Water Pik is best, but that good results can come with simply swishing it through your teeth daily.