Dr. Vikas Prinja has issued a cautionary note about a popular online teeth-whitening trend involving peroxide mouthwashes, citing potential serious health risks.
In his recent TikTok post, Dr. Prinja addressed the widespread appeal of using peroxide-based products for teeth whitening, highlighting significant safety concerns. “Everyone desires white teeth, and while dentists do use peroxide for whitening treatments in a controlled environment, using high-concentration peroxide at home is risky,” he explained.
Dr. Prinja emphasized that peroxide, when used at high concentrations without proper dilution, can cause severe damage. “Peroxide needs to be diluted with water to be safe. Applying a high-strength peroxide solution directly around your gums can lead to burns. Additionally, prolonged use of an oxidizing mouthwash like this can result in a condition known as ‘black hairy tongue,’” he warned.
The trend, which involves using undiluted peroxide mouthwashes for whitening, poses significant risks to oral health and should be approached with caution. Dr. Prinja’s advice serves as a crucial reminder to seek professional dental care and avoid unregulated DIY whitening methods.
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