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Is it OK to gargle with hydrogen peroxide everyday?


Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that many people use for disinfecting minor cuts and burns. Some people also gargle with diluted hydrogen peroxide as a way to kill germs in the mouth and throat, especially when they have a cold or flu. However, gargling with hydrogen peroxide on a daily basis may not be advisable. Here is a look at the potential benefits and risks of using hydrogen peroxide as a daily gargle.

Potential Benefits of Daily Hydrogen Peroxide Gargling

Kills bacteria and viruses

When used as directed, dilute hydrogen peroxide can kill some bacteria and viruses that cause infections in the mouth and throat. Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen, which can damage the cell walls of bacteria and disrupt viruses. Gargling daily with peroxide may help reduce your chance of getting illnesses like strep throat, tonsillitis, and the common cold.

Reduces bad breath

Hydrogen peroxide can help control bad breath by killing bacteria that live on the tongue, gums, and other tissues in the mouth. These bacteria feed on food debris and release smelly compounds. Rinsing away these bacteria daily may freshen your breath.

Whitens teeth

Some proponents claim that gargling with hydrogen peroxide can slowly whiten teeth by removing stains over time. However, there is little scientific evidence to support using peroxide as a teeth whitener.

Potential Risks of Daily Hydrogen Peroxide Gargling

Mouth irritation

Frequent use of hydrogen peroxide can cause mild mouth irritation, including canker sores, gum inflammation, and tooth sensitivity. The bubbling effect of peroxide can damage delicate tissues if not diluted properly.

Tooth enamel damage

Hydrogen peroxide is acidic, so overuse may gradually erode tooth enamel and weaken teeth over time. Enamel protects teeth from decay, so damage can increase the risk of cavities and tooth loss.

Digestive issues

Swallowing hydrogen peroxide, even in small amounts, can irritate the esophagus and stomach. Drinking peroxide can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Asthma flare-ups

Inhaling tiny droplets of hydrogen peroxide into the lungs can trigger bronchospasm in people with asthma. This narrowing of the airways can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Skin irritation

If hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the skin, it can cause redness, stinging, and irritation. Gargling may lead to accidental splashes on the face and neck.

Parotid gland inflammation

A few case studies link daily peroxide gargling to parotitis, or inflammation of the salivary glands in the cheeks. Symptoms include facial swelling and pain.

Who Should Not Gargle Hydrogen Peroxide

The following people should avoid gargling with hydrogen peroxide:

  • Children under 12 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • People with oral cancer or mucositis
  • Individuals with stomach ulcers or digestive issues like GERD or IBS
  • Those with asthma or chronic lung problems
  • People with throat, mouth, or skin sensitivities

Children and pregnant women should not ingest peroxide due to safety concerns. Those with certain medical conditions may experience adverse reactions when gargling hydrogen peroxide.

Is Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Safe to Gargle?

Household 3% hydrogen peroxide can be safely diluted for use as a short-term gargle. The recommended dilution is:

  • 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of water

This makes a dilute 0.5% solution appropriate for gargling. However, hydrogen peroxide solutions stronger than 1.5% can damage oral tissues with frequent use. Avoid using undiluted hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash.

Only gargle for up to one minute at a time, no more than two to three times per day when sick. Do not swallow the peroxide solution. Stop gargling immediately if you experience pain, irritation, or breathing issues.

What’s Better – Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Saltwater Gargle?

For occasional use, hydrogen peroxide and saltwater gargles have similar effectiveness at killing bacteria and viruses. However, saltwater may be safer for daily gargling.

Hydrogen Peroxide Gargle

  • Kills pathogens through oxidation
  • Use short-term only to avoid side effects
  • Can cause mouth irritation with overuse

Saltwater Gargle

  • Kills pathogens through osmosis
  • Less risk of side effects with daily use
  • May temporarily relieve sore throats

For daily oral hygiene, simple warm saltwater is less likely to cause adverse reactions than frequent peroxide gargling.

When Is Gargling with Hydrogen Peroxide Advisable?

Using diluted hydrogen peroxide as a short-term gargle may be advisable in the following circumstances:

  • When you have symptoms of a throat infection like strep, tonsillitis, or pharyngitis
  • To help relieve discomfort from mouth sores, canker sores, or gingivitis
  • If you’ve been exposed to a contagious illness like influenza, cold, or mono
  • To temporarily freshen breath by killing odor-causing bacteria

However, you should only gargle with diluted peroxide for a few days at a time. Extended daily use may lead to mouth irritation, enamel damage, and other problems.

Precautions for Gargling Hydrogen Peroxide

Take the following precautions when using hydrogen peroxide as a gargle:

  • Always dilute 3% peroxide with water – use a 1:1 ratio.
  • Do not swallow the peroxide solution.
  • Gargle for 30 seconds up to 1 minute at a time.
  • Limit gargling to 2-3 times daily maximum.
  • Rinse mouth with plain water after gargling.
  • Stop immediately if you have pain or irritation.
  • Keep solution away from eyes, nostrils, and ears.
  • Store hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark place.

Carefully following usage guidelines reduces the risks of side effects. Speak to your dentist before gargling if you have any oral health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Occasional use of diluted hydrogen peroxide may provide some benefits for minor mouth and throat infections. However, gargling with peroxide daily or for extended periods is not recommended due to potential risks. Mouth irritation, digestive issues, enamel erosion, asthma attacks, and skin irritation are possible side effects of excessive peroxide gargling.

For regular oral hygiene, simple warm saltwater rinses are a safer choice over daily peroxide gargling. Speak to your doctor or dentist before using hydrogen peroxide long-term. With short-term use, be sure to dilute 3% peroxide properly and follow usage guidelines to avoid complications.