[Bill.D.Katt. (OP)]

Would H2O2 be good for a mouthwash? I have terrible teeth, so much in fact that no matter how much I brush, floss, or even if I stop eating desserts and refined sugars almost altogether, I would still have teeth problems. Would a H2O2 mouthwash benefit me, and if so what concentration H2O2?

[Don_1]

I'm not so sure that peroxide would be a good thing to shove in your north & south. Have you seen what it can do to the Barnet fair?

Try using sodium bicarbonate.

[RD]

... I have terrible teeth, so much in fact that no matter how much I brush, floss, or even if I stop eating desserts and refined sugars almost altogether, I would still have teeth problems.

Xerostomia can be the cause of tooth decay and gum disease …

Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow. Xerostomia is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions … Saliva possesses many important functions including antimicrobial activity, mechanical cleansing action, control of pH, removal of food debris from the oral cavity, lubrication of the oral cavity, remineralization and maintaining the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Complications associated with xerostomia

… If left untreated, xerostomia decreases the oral pH and significantly increases the development of plaque and dental caries. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common oral infections seen in association with xerostomia

… Xerostomia can lead to markedly increased dental caries {tooth decay}

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/xerostomia.htm

Chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for those with xerostomia.

[Bill.D.Katt. (OP)]

And I'm guessing that washing one's mouth with H2O2 would be likely to cause xerostimia.

[RD]

The causes of xerostomia include process which damage salivary glands, (which include aging).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerostomia#Causes

I was suggesting xerostomia as a possible explanation for bad teeth despite good dental hygiene,
(and suggesting a less hazardous an more convenient solution than H₂O₂: namely sugar-free gum).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide#Therapeutic_use

[SteveFish]

If you look on the web you will find that H₂O₂ is the WD40 of health. Many of the claims are silly, while some are true. There is a pretty good discussion about this at Snopes-

http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/peroxide.asp

For my own part, I think that it is pretty safe and is a good disinfectant for open sores in my mouth and a good way to clean up a skin cut. It also will remove blood stains from clothing, like magic, if you use it before washing, which makes the stain permanent.

[Nelsonn]

Hydrogen peroxide (3% hydrogen peroxide) helps with the following:
•   Strengthens teeth
•   Fight mouth bacteria
•   Heal canker sores
•   Soak and wash vegetables / fruits in to kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals
•   Brush teeth with for extra protection
•   Soak toothbrush in for a few seconds to disinfect (daily)
The Hydrogen Peroxide should be used only to rinse mouth DO NOT swallow it or ingest it as it may harm to your body. Or its better to use it with the instruction of your dentist only.

[RD]

Hydrogen peroxide (3% hydrogen peroxide) helps with the following:
•   Strengthens teeth

How does exposing your teeth to this acid strengthen them ?.

[An antibacterial agent will not "strengthen" your teeth. It may prevent/reduce tooth decay by attacking acid-producing bacteria, but stopping/reducing decay is not the same as strengthening]

[Bored chemist]

Also, while we are at it, could someone define "neutralize chemicals" please?
What chemicals?
A lot of things are converted to acids by the action of H2O2.
Was that post just a pseudo-scientific belch?

[Bill.D.Katt. (OP)]

As RD said, it won't strengthen teeth, it won't "fight" bacteria it will simply destroy them, it won't heal canker sores it will sterilize them. I don't think I could define "neutralize chemicals."

H2O2 as a powerful oxidizing agent would probably dry ones mouth, could that be harmful at all? (xerostimia?)

[SammyS7]

When it comes to oral hygiene, I clean teeth twice a day and use Listerine mouthwash. I have reasonbale teeth for most of my life only two fillings required and no other problems. I guess mouthwash is a must after drinking coffee or eating sweets. <<<SPAMMY LINK REMOVED>>>

[Colin2B]

I guess mouthwash is a must after drinking coffee or eating sweets. <<<SPAMMY LINK REMOVED>>>

Sammy, you seem to be quite Spammy.
Contributions to discussion are welcome, spam is not. We are giving you the benefit of doubt, if you do it again you will be banned.

[wolfekeeper]

Peroxide mouthwashes are widely available. They're rather acidic though, IRC similar to orange juice.