12/21/2021
121 740
11 minutes
Co-author, editor and medical expert – Maksimov Alexander Alekseevich.
Hydrogen peroxide was discovered in 1818 by L.Zh.Thenar. Chemical designation H2O2. The substance itself is an almost colorless (pale blue) viscous substance. Hydrogen peroxide without impurities is an unstable substance; it has the ability to decompose to water and oxygen, releasing a large amount of heat. Unlimitedly soluble in water, alcohols and ethers. There is a 31% solution on sale called “Perhydrol”. Due to its oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide acts as an antiseptic. For medical use, a 3% H2O22 solution is used.
When peroxide gets on biological substrates (damaged mucous membranes, microbes), active oxygen is released, which destroys cell membranes, thereby providing an antiseptic effect and cleansing the oropharyngeal mucosa from pathogens and cellular detritus. It also has hemostatic properties1.
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Is it possible to gargle with peroxide?
Only a doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. To effectively get rid of tonsillitis, consult a specialist.
According to the instructions for use, peroxide is used as a treatment for the pharynx in acute tonsillitis, gingivitis, stomatitis and other pathologies. For treating mucous membranes, a 0.25% solution of hydrogen peroxide is acceptable1. When rinsing, microbial contamination in the throat decreases and inflammation decreases. Lubricating the mucous membrane of the tonsils with a cotton swab dipped in a solution is also used, which helps to avoid unwanted effects on the rest of the epithelium. On the other hand, peroxide does not act selectively on tissues, that is, it damages, along with bacteria, unchanged tissues of the body, which can delay recovery. With long-term treatment with peroxide, adverse reactions are possible: burns of the mucous membrane; in case of allergic reactions, bronchospasm and laryngospasm may develop; if accidentally swallowed, it has a toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract; if it enters the bloodstream, it causes hemolysis of red blood cells. As science moves forward, this method of treatment fades into the background. Safer and more effective drugs are appearing.
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Indications
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in medicine: in surgery for the treatment of purulent wounds, for inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes, pharyngitis, periodontal disease, for bleeding, for disinfecting instruments and deodorizing. Gargling with hydrogen peroxide makes sense when treating bacterial sore throat. But treatment with only one remedy will not be effective. It should be noted that gargling is an integral part of the complex therapy of tonsillitis.
How to treat a throat with gargling? Let's take a closer look at this issue.
| Recipe for a solution with peroxide You should not prepare the solution for future use; it is better to prepare a fresh one each time, since hydrogen peroxide erodes in the air and there will be no effect from such treatment. | To prepare the desired product, we need 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide and 11 parts water. Water should be used boiled, cooled to a comfortable temperature of 36-37 degrees. |
| Application of the solution If you tilt your head back, the back wall of the pharynx and tonsils, and the root of the tongue will be more effectively cleansed. Remember that you should not swallow peroxide. | 1. Before the procedure, you should clear your mouth of any remaining food. 2. Take a sip, gargle for 10 seconds and spit. The steps are repeated until the solution runs out. 3. At the end of the procedure, be sure to clear the oropharynx of traces of the product with calendula tincture, chamomile tea or plain water. 4. For the next thirty minutes, you should refrain from eating and drinking. |
The duration of sessions is determined by the severity of the condition. Usually it is 4-5 days, with a frequency of 3-4 times a day. Due to oxidation, including healthy tissue, the use of peroxide can lead to increased sore throat and cough.
In addition to it, there are currently other drugs that are superior in their effectiveness. For example, Hexoral ® rinse solution. The drug is widely active against various types of bacteria and fungi of the genus Candida, and Hexoral ® also treats infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus. At a concentration of 100 mg/ml, the drug inhibits the growth of most bacterial strains. In addition, the active substance hexethidine has a weak analgesic effect. Hexoral ® solution is convenient and easy to use and has a pleasant taste. It does not need to be diluted. For adults and children over 3 years old, it is enough to gargle with 15 ml of solution 2 times a day3.
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Precautionary measures
The following precautions must be observed when using hydrogen peroxide:
- If peroxide (especially with a concentration of more than 3%) gets into the eyes, redness, irritation, and pain will appear. You need to thoroughly rinse your eyes with clean water and go to the doctor.
- Hydrogen peroxide should be stored out of the reach of children. The consequences of getting the drug into the stomach (especially at high concentrations) are unpredictable and can be fatal.
- Peroxide should not be used as a mouth rinse in its pure form. It should always be diluted with water in the correct proportions.
- Hydrogen peroxide that is too concentrated can cause burns on the skin.
- Hydrogen peroxide should only be mixed with clean drinking water, not chlorinated.
- When using hydrogen peroxide, you should take vitamin C, preferably in its natural form (found in fruits, vegetables, natural juices without additives).
- Hydrogen peroxide is stored in a dark and dry place. This way it retains its properties longer.
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Proper use of hydrogen peroxide, compliance with precautions and proportions in preparing mouthwash will help restore the health of your gums and teeth.
Proportions: how to dilute peroxide
A gargle for adults is prepared according to the following recipe: 1 tablespoon of pharmaceutical hydrogen peroxide (3%) is diluted in 200 milliliters of water.
Note! If, at this concentration, during rinsing you feel an increase in sore throat, rawness or other unpleasant sensations, you should refuse treatment with peroxide, since these symptoms may indicate an individual intolerance to the drug.
After completing the procedure, it is necessary to rinse your mouth to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide. To do this, you can make a neutralizing solution of salt and soda. In a glass of boiled water at a comfortable temperature, dissolve 0.5 teaspoon of salt and the same amount of soda; brewed chamomile, sage or boiled water are also suitable.
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Pros and cons of using hydrogen peroxide to treat teeth and gums
Based on the available reviews and opinions of people who have used hydrogen peroxide solution for mouth rinsing, this product has the following advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Complex therapeutic effect, noticeable improvement in oral health. | Possible consequences if used incorrectly. |
| The safety of rinsing gums with hydrogen peroxide if the proportions are observed. | Unpleasant taste in the mouth during and after the procedure. |
| Availability in all pharmacies and low price. | Burning in the mouth when rinsing, especially in the presence of wounds. |
People who often rinse their teeth with this product recommend rinsing their mouth with an infusion of herbs with a pleasant smell after the procedure. This helps reduce the feeling of unpleasant taste and prevent the gag reflex. If you feel a burning sensation, you can dilute the solution to a lower concentration.
Hydrogen peroxide is a useful, widely available remedy that helps fight the symptoms of various dental inflammations. Therefore, it is often prescribed in dentistry and otolaryngology.
To dilute peroxide in the correct proportions in each specific case, an individual consultation with a clinic physician or dentist is advisable. After using the product for any purpose, rinse your mouth thoroughly with boiled water.
Rules for gargling with peroxide
To make the procedure comfortable and safe, you must follow simple rules:
- Treatment should be carried out after meals.
- Before the session, you should rinse your mouth with plain water to remove any remaining food.
- For better rinsing, you should take a sip of the solution into your mouth, throw back your head and, for 10 seconds, treat the back wall of the pharynx and tonsils. Then spit out the solution completely.
- When the solution is finished, rinse your mouth with water with salt and soda, a decoction of chamomile or sage, or regular boiled water will also do.
- After finishing the procedure, do not eat or drink for 30 minutes.
Gargling with peroxide can be hazardous to health if the dilution is incorrect. A “stronger” solution damages the mucous membrane and can do more harm than good, while a weaker one does not have a pronounced therapeutic effect.
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Rinse during pregnancy
The state of a woman's immune system changes during pregnancy. Although the drug is safe for use by expectant mothers, it is impossible to predict whether an allergic reaction will occur or not. For proper diagnosis and treatment, consult a specialist. The health of your unborn child is in your hands.
To prevent complications and progression of the disease, it is possible to use more gentle means of local treatment of acute tonsillitis. In modern conditions, there are many safe and effective medications. The doctor will choose the drug that best suits you for treatment.
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Gargling for children
Small children under 3 years of age are not recommended to use rinsing solutions as a treatment method. At this age, the child will not be able to correctly perform what is required of him, there is a risk of choking or drinking the solution. Until the age of three, it is better to use other dosage forms. In older children, lavage of the oropharynx is used as an element of complex therapy for tonsillitis.
Children are more likely than adults to experience drug intolerance and allergic reactions due to the fact that the immune system is still developing. When rinsing a child, there is always a risk of swallowing the drug. If ingested, peroxide is toxic to the body, and the effectiveness of a solution with a lower concentration is controversial, so peroxide for gargling in children is not recommended. In all cases of tonsillitis in children, consultation and examination by a doctor is necessary. The health of our children is the most important thing!
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Mechanism of action of the active substance
Allergies and intolerance to the drug are quite rare. When used externally, the patient feels an unpleasant feeling of burning and tingling in the wound area. If you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide, your teeth will noticeably brighten. You may also notice a temporary enlargement of the nipples on the tongue.
Do not allow the drug to get into your eyes. It causes a slight burn followed by irritation. If this does happen, the eyes are washed with running water and moisturizing drops are instilled.
Hydrogen peroxide has been used in all areas of medicine for over 200 years. Many doctors prescribe its use at home to restore gums and oral mucosa. Patients seeking to achieve shiny teeth use this substance without prescription. This attitude can lead to dangerous consequences. To better understand how peroxide affects teeth and prevent negative reactions, familiarize yourself with the properties of this substance.
- Peroxide is known for its antiseptic effect. Contrary to popular belief, it can have the exact opposite effect, increasing the healing time of damage. This happens due to the use of high concentration liquid, which is very dangerous and can cause considerable harm. When using hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a doctor, healing of the gums and mucous membranes will occur in an extremely short time.
- Interacting with components contained in living tissue, peroxide foams strongly. This property is useful for softening and exfoliating dead areas, suppuration and blood clots. Treating the mouth and gums with this liquid makes it easier to eliminate inflammation.
- Peroxide can be used to clean any stained teeth. The liquid oxidizes foreign substances that accumulate on the enamel, which allows you to remove them without much effort. This is the essence of the whitening effect of hydrogen peroxide.
Although peroxide is considered a healing agent, it has the ability to destroy tissue. When sensitive teeth are brushed or rinsed with peroxide, painful sensations cannot be avoided, and the benefits are very doubtful. If your tooth enamel is weak and thin, it is better to avoid this method!
Gargling for a sore throat
Sore throat (from the Latin angere - squeeze, squeeze) is a common infectious disease, the local manifestations of which are the inflammatory process in the tonsils.
Classification of tonsillitis
1) Primary tonsillitis (ordinary, simple, banal) - acute inflammatory diseases affecting only the lymphatic elements of the pharynx.
2) Secondary (symptomatic) sore throats are divided into 2 types:
— Damage to the tonsils in acute infectious diseases (scarlet fever, diphtheria, infectious mononucleosis, etc.).
— Damage to the tonsils due to blood diseases (agranulocytic tonsillitis, tonsillitis due to leukemia).
3) Specific tonsillitis - for example, Simanovsky-Plaut-Vincent tonsillitis, fungal tonsillitis, HIV-associated, syphilitic tonsillitis4.
Up to 85% of cases of primary tonsillitis are caused by β-hemolytic streptococcus group A. It is dangerous because, with inadequate treatment and in case of severe infection, it can affect the joints, kidneys, heart valves and nervous system. Acute rheumatic fever with the formation of heart defects, glomerulonephritis, and chorea is considered a serious complication. Therefore, it is so important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor if you feel unwell. The term “tonsillitis”, as a rule, is applied specifically to such banal tonsillitis.
A solution of peroxide with water for gargling is used for ordinary sore throats, since when it interacts with bacteria, it destroys the wall of the latter, that is, there is an “application point” for the action of peroxide.
More progressive agents for the local treatment of tonsillitis, such as Hexoral ® rinse solution, not only have a pronounced antimicrobial effect, but also a mild analgesic effect. It does not damage the mucous membrane of the oropharynx3.
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I have an opinion
For a long time I could not cope with the plaque that appeared on the mucous membranes in my mouth. I took various pills, ate apples and carrots, but I couldn’t remove the unpleasant color from my tongue until I paid attention to a special scraper.
Besides the fact that the device is very cheap, it helped me get rid of my problem. I use this simple product every day, I felt that my taste buds began to work much better, I am very pleased.
Alexey, 31 years old
Plaque is a very common problem. I thought that this would pose no danger to the body, but over time I noticed that even after brushing my teeth there was an unpleasant odor in my mouth.
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It later turned out that the cause of the bad odor in the mouth was “bacterial deposits.” I decided to buy a special toothbrush to clean not only my teeth, but also my tongue.
The rough surface perfectly removes all the accumulated bacterial layer and unpleasant odor, which some time ago caused me a lot of inconvenience.
Anna, 37 years old
