How to Make Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Last Updated: December 14, 2024 Approved

There are lots of reasons why someone might want to use mouthwash made from hydrogen peroxide. Some people use it because a dentist instructed them to do so, while others simply want to use products made with natural ingredients. Straight hydrogen peroxide is very harsh, however, so it is important to dilute it with water. The simplest recipe uses just water and hydrogen peroxide, but if you can't stand the taste, you can make a flavored one instead.

Things You Should Know

Mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide (shaking to combine) and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, twice daily. Do not add more peroxide. Licensed dentist Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE warns that an “excessive volume of peroxide” can make your gums “feel more dry or like [they’re] sloughing.”

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Simple Mouthwash

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You can use a glass or plastic bottle as long as it is dark-colored; light will cause the hydrogen peroxide to degrade faster. Make sure that you are using distilled or filtered water.^{[1]
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Use only 3% hydrogen peroxide. Anything higher could be damaging to your oral and dental health.^{[2]
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Store the bottle in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.
Pour some mouthwash into a cup. Swish and gargle it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow this product. Rinse your mouth afterwards with water, then discard any mouthwash left in the cup.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Flavored Mouthwash

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1
Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water into a dark, glass bottle. Use only filtered or distilled water. You can also use peppermint or spearmint hydrosol instead for a minty flavor.
- Avoid using plastic bottles, as the essential oils can cause the plastic to degrade over time.
It is very important that you use 3% hydrogen peroxide; anything higher could damage your teeth.^{[4]
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Go to source} Most grocery stores sell 3% hydrogen peroxide, however.^{[5]
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3
Add 7 to 10 drops of essential oil. Peppermint or spearmint would work the best for mouthwash. You can try another type, such as: clove, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, or sweet orange.
- Mixing 1 tablespoon (22.5 grams) of honey into the essential oil will help emulsify it.
- Skip this step if a child will be using the mouthwash.
Keep in mind that you will need to shake the bottle each time before you use the mouthwash.
5
Use the mouthwash. Give the mouthwash a shake, then swish and gargle a capful in your mouth for 2 minutes. Spit the mouthwash out, then rinse your mouth with water.
- Do not swallow the mouthwash.
- Store the mouthwash in a cool, dark place.

Expert Q&A

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Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

It's generally okay so long as it's adequately diluted. The problem with using too much hydrogen peroxide in your mouthwash is that it's a caustic agent. As a result, it causes your gums to dry out and it can irritate your skin.

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Question

Does undiluted hydrogen peroxide whiten your teeth?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

It could, but it's really not safe to use undiluted hydrogen peroxide. This stuff will cause strips of skin to peel off of your gums if you don't dilute it, so don't try this!

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What if I'm not sure if I diluted the hydrogen peroxide correctly? Can I just test it out?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

If you aren't sure you're measuring ingredients and diluting hydrogen peroxide properly, just buy a mouthwash in the store. The hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwashes they sell in the store are all going to be safe.

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You can use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to help relieve irritations caused by: cankers, cold sores, dentures, gingivitis, and orthodontic appliances (ie: braces or retainers).^{[6]
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Store the mouthwash in a cool, dark cupboard.

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Use a dark-colored bottle. An opaque bottle would be even better, however.

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Warnings

Using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash too often can kill the good, beneficial bacteria in your mouth and result in dental problems.

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Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Doing so will result in an upset stomach.

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Regular use of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash can irritate your gums. It can also damage crowns, dental implants, and fillings.

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