Question: My dentist told me many years ago to make my mouthwash half hydrogen peroxide and half mouth wash. I have used this for many years. Is this a no-no?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a component of some mouth rinses. Your dentist should be your source of consultation regarding your individual use. When advised, a 3% solution is diluted with an equal amount of water for mouth rinsing only, and NOT for ingestion. Remember there are differing concentrations of peroxide available commercially, so be sure you understand the recommended dilution as well as the type of peroxide solution and its concentration before rinsing with this product.

3% hydrogen peroxide solution is for topical use only to help prevent infections, and is not intended for ingestion. It is not intended for use on lacerations needing suture/repair, puncture wounds, animal bites, or burns. Use of peroxide in deeper wounds will complicate and delay your recovery. I repeat, this is NOT for ingestion or injection of any kind.

Peroxide solution is not only toxic to bacteria by contact, but also toxic to injured tissue. It destroys tissue cells with ease if used improperly.

Using peroxide to cleanse wounds in preparation for surgical repair has been abandoned due to both adverse complications and well-documented extended healing times. You are hard-pressed to find peroxide in most hospital emergency departments today.

Most grandmothers know that peroxide is excellent at dissolving blood freshly spilled onto color-fast fabric, but if you use it, be sure your fabric or colors are not also dissolved!