9 Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide For Teeth, Hair, Ears and Skin

Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) is a chemical compound in most first aid kits at home. It is often used on cuts to prevent infections and combat bacteria. Hydrogen Peroxide can be found in different concentrations for purchase. Usually, for household use, three percent hydrogen peroxide is preferred, and it is readily available in drugstores and supermarkets.

Despite being used as a mild antiseptic for a long time, doctors have recently concluded that it is unsafe to use on wounds. They have found in the tests that although it does work as a disinfectant, it destroys healthy cells. Thus, the doctors have suggested not to use it on deep wounds. Using it on minor cuts is not an issue at all.

As with most chemical compounds, hydrogen peroxide must be used with precaution, especially when it is in a high concentration. We will cover the side effects of using hydrogen peroxide later, so make sure to read till the end.

9 Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide For Teeth, Hair, Ears, and Skin

Hydrogen peroxide has many uses, despite being used mainly as a part of the first aid kit. It works and is safe when used correctly. Let’s look at some of the uses of hydrogen peroxide you can try yourself.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear

In the 1920s, a doctor researched and hypothesized that flu and cold tend to come through the ear, not the nose, mouth, or eyes. So, he started putting hydrogen peroxide in the ears of the subjects, and four out of five times, it prevented the symptoms of the cold and flu from progressing. Since then, many people have used hydrogen peroxide for their ears.

There’s a little precaution that you must take before using it. You must not use hydrogen peroxide if you have a tear or a hole in your drum. It is also unsuitable if you have an infection in your ears. Therefore, make sure you consult your doctor and get your ears inspected thoroughly before using them.

Using hydrogen peroxide for the ear is very simple. Use a solution that has a three percent concentration of peroxide. Please put it in a dropper, tilt your head slightly, and then put a few drops in your ear.

The hydrogen peroxide will begin to bubble up. Let it do that until it stops bubbling, then tilt your head the opposite way and let the solution run out. Do the same method for the second ear. It will clear the debris that has built up in your ear and prevent cold and flu.

Hydrogen peroxide could also use to take care of ear wax. Most people use q-tips or earbuds to clean the ear wax. What they don’t realize is that earbuds don’t help in cleaning at all. Instead, they push the wax further down the ear canal, which leads to more ear wax build-up.

The best method to clean the ear is to use hydrogen peroxide. The procedure is the same as mentioned above, as it softens the ear wax. After using the hydrogen peroxide, use a cotton ball and clean the excess fluid in the ear canal’s opening.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Mouthwash

Toothache is a harrowing experience in a person’s life. One of the common causes of pain in the teeth is bacteria and viruses.

Most people don’t brush before sleeping, and some don’t floss, which causes some food particles to get stuck in the gums between the teeth. These food particles then become camping sites for bacteria, and after a while, they cause severe pain.

Hydrogen peroxide can combat those bacteria and germs stuck between the teeth. There are a few methods to use peroxide for mouthwash and get rid of the bacteria.

Make sure you use a three percent concentration of peroxide, and you can add an equal amount of water to the solution to reduce its intensity.

The simplest way is to dip your toothbrush in the hydrogen peroxide solution and then brush your teeth as you would typically. Using a soft bristle toothbrush is healthier to reach between the teeth more thoroughly than the hard one.

If you don’t want to use your toothbrush, the other method is to put the hydrogen peroxide in a cup and then put it in your mouth. Swish it and gargle, ensuring it doesn’t go down your throat.

Please do it for a few seconds, and then spit out the liquid. Immediately rinse your mouth with warm water. Remember that this product will begin to bubble up when you put it in your mouth; it is natural and nothing to worry about.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth

Some people are embarrassed by yellow teeth and pay a considerable amount to cosmetic dentists to whiten them. While light yellow teeth indicate healthy ones, a darker yellow suggests a problem. Guess what? Hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth at home.

You want to dip your toothbrush in the peroxide solution for a few seconds and then brush your teeth. Brush them for at least one to two minutes.

You can do this procedure once a week or every other day; using it daily is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide removes the stains on the teeth’ surface, giving it a whiter look and the added benefit of getting rid of bacteria, as mentioned above.

Remember that you cannot use this product as a teeth whitener for a severe case of yellow teeth. It is best to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of yellow teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Hair

Ladies often change their hair color according to their preferences. Sometimes they visit a salon to get professional help, and sometimes, they use various products available in the market.

They often want to lighten their hair color, so they buy pre-made bleaches from the store. There is a method to save money and use hydrogen peroxide to lighten your hair.

Not only does it help in lighting the color of your hair, but it can also be used to bring out your natural highlights. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to give your hair a brighter and shinier look.

To bleach your hair, you will need to get a three percent peroxide solution and fill up a spray bottle around the house. If you don’t have a spray bottle in your home, you can buy it from a store as it is readily available.

Wash and condition your hair like your routine. It will get rid of dust, then let it dry for a bit. Once it is slightly dry, pat it with a towel. It is better to have a little wet hair, as it will accept the peroxide better.

Before applying this product to your hair, do a small test with a couple of strands. Spray the peroxide solution onto a cotton ball and then use it to theontrands; let it rest for thirty minutes before washing it away with cold water. This procedure will help you judge the amount of peroxide on the rest of the hair.

Once you finalize the amount of peroxide solution, spray it on a cotton ball and rub it on the selected areas of your hair. Leave it for thirty minutes like before, and wash it away with cold water for incredible results.

Remember, the more peroxide you use, the lighter the results you will achieve in your hair. So, experiment and use the amount that works best for you. If you have very dark hair, then apply more hydrogen peroxide. If you have lighter hair, use a small amount.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

Acne is a problem that is most common in adolescents. It forms a pimple on the face due to the blockage of hair follicles by dead skin and dirt.

Most people are pretty embarrassed by acne and try many solutions to get rid of it. Some teenagers even lose confidence due to acne and face emotional instability. There is a straightforward and effective method that you can use to get rid of acne, which is to use hydrogen peroxide.

If you use this product for acne treatment, ensure you have a three percent concentration solution of the peroxide.

Wash your face thoroughly and dry it out. Use a makeup remover if you have any makeup on the skin of your face, and then wash it with warm water, as it will open up the pores of your skin.

Dry your skin correctly, and then grab a cotton ball or q-tip. Apply hydrogen peroxide on them, then gently apply it to the area affected by acne. In a few days, your skin will be clear of the disease.

Remember, you must not use this procedure more than once a day, as it might cause skin problems.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infections

Yeast infection is a problem that women have to deal with at least once in their lifetime. Men face it too, but it is more common in women.

Yeast is present in every healthy vagina and is beneficial for health. The problem occurs when it grows too much and causes itching and burning. A simple home remedy to combat yeast infection is to use hydrogen peroxide.

Use a three percent concentration solution of hydrogen peroxide and fill a teaspoon. Then add it to a cup of water to reduce the concentration level further. You can then apply this mixture to the affected area for quick results.

You can also use it in a bath to soak the affected area more thoroughly. Just fill your tub with water, add hydrogen peroxide, and wash the affected area for a few minutes. It will help to get rid of yeast infections in a few days.

Another method to combat vaginal infection is to use vaginal douche. Just fill the douche with the mixture of peroxide and water and administer the solution to the affected area.

Using hydrogen peroxide is cheap, and it is one of the most effective treatments to combat yeast infections, compared to spending money on various creams and ointments.

Hydrogen Peroxide Baths

Taking a bath is one of the healthiest habits to adopt. While a shower also works, taking a bath at least twice a week gives the body a thorough cleaning. To further enhance its quality and benefits, you can buy certain products. One of those is hydrogen peroxide.

There are two ways to use it in the bath. The first is to use food-grade hydrogen peroxide, which has around 35 percent concentration of it. Just fill your bathtub with water, and then add a quarter cup of peroxide solution in the beginning. Work your way up to two cups one you are used to it.

The second method is to use it with Epson salt but use a three percent peroxide solution. Fill up your bathtub and add two cups of Epson salt and two quartz of hydrogen peroxide solution. They take a bath for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Using hydrogen peroxide in the bath helps detoxify the body. It boosts the immune system; some even claim it helps combat cancer cells. Therefore, give this cheap and easy way to boost your immune system a try. You can use a peroxide bath every other day for maximum results.

Hydrogen Peroxide to Lighten Skin

Sometimes people have dark skin around their necks, knees, and underarms. Using hydrogen peroxide is a simple home remedy to get rid of dark skin and lighten it up.

To use this product for dark skin, use a solution with a three percent concentration. You will also need mild soap for this method. Take a container and grate a little bit of your mild soap into it.

Then add a few drops of the hydrogen peroxide solution in grated mild soap and use a wooden stick to stir them together. You will have to continue stirring until the mixture turns into a paste. Once it is ready, apply it to the affected area and rinse it with water. You will begin to see the results in a few days, and your skin will be much lighter.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry

People spend money on laundry products that claim to whiten their clothes. Well, you can get rid of them and use a much cheaper product that is most likely already available in your house.

Just add a cup of three percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution to your washing machine that you have loaded with white clothes. Run it as you usually would and see the magic of this product. Your clothes will be significantly whiter than before, and the results will be on par with the expensive products.

Last but Important: Side Effects

I wrote about one of the side effects above: it is not safe to use deep wounds as it destroys healthy cells and prolongs the healing period. Diabetic patients should take extra care not to use hydrogen peroxide on an injury. This is because diabetes slows the healing process, which will further affect it and reduce it.

It is not dangerous when swallowed in small amounts but in higher quantities; it poses serious health risks and should be dealt with immediately. It can cause Parents should ensure that they keep it out of their children’s reach. If swallowed, it can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Experts recommend drinking milk or water immediately to resolve the issue.

If hydrogen peroxide gets in the eyes by mistake, it can irritate them. In such a case, immediately rinse the eyes thoroughly with water for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is known to cause severe skin burns. In such a case, you should contact the emergency helpline immediately. If you spill lower concentration peroxide, it would just create a mild burning sensation. You can wash your hands to get rid of it.