What's your opinion on gargling with half peroxide-half water to prevent gum disease? my dentist, whom i like very much and respect, has suggested that i floss daily, brush twice a day, and get my teeth cleaned twice a year to avoid future periodontal dis

I : I am very cautious about recommending the use of hydrogen perioxide as it is toxic to tissue at certain concentrations (put your finger in the solution for a couple of seconds and look at the result). If you control the concentration, i recommend 3 parts water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and you rinse for 10 seconds then spit it out and rinse with water it can be used safely. Personally i recommend salt water rinses, which also kill bacteria, in a concetration of 1 tsp in 8 ounces of water. I compliment this with an antibacterial Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse twice a day (rinse with one capfull for 30 seconds then nothing to eat or drink for thirty minutes). Use of the Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) can stain the teeth or tongue if used much more than that and, in some people, it can also change your ability to taste slightly. Hydrogen peroxide will not strengthen the teeth as some claim.

I : I would agree with my colleague and friend regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide as a preventative oral hygiene adjunct. There is a specific periodontal technique or modality that was popular in the 1980's called the keyes technique. This was a largely patient driven therapeutic therapy for treating periodontal disease introduced by rams and keyes. A part of the technique used a slurry of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and salt which was applied to the gum tissue (doxycycline was also used but not widely reported). As a result of some success with this technique corners were cut and advocates recommended use of just salt or baking soda or hydrogen peroxide or various combinations. Unfortunately this can often be to the detriment of our health as dr. Finori pointed out frequent usage of hydrogen peroxide can lead to cell mutations. Any adjunct to thorough toothbrushing, flossing and proxabrushing (test tube like cleaners) is just that...Adjunctive. If you can tolerate alcohol - that is no issues with dependence or dry mouth - i would suggest listerene two times a day for 30 seconds. Again, do not over do it. Too much listerene can cause problems. I like your dentist's initial advise. Be diligent and three month maintenance. After that if problems still persist i would suggest you see a periodontist. Much happiness and health, dr. Smith.

Hydrogen : Hydrogen peroxide used daily will not maintain the desired level of bacteria in your mouth, rinses with peroxide was used to help soldiers under extreme conditions, there is a condition called "trench mouth" which is an acute ulcerative necrotizing gingivitis caused by the lack of proper care during war time, then these rinses with peroxide were indicated. There are a vast array of oral rinses in the market, i personally don't like the ones containing alcohol. If rapid reproduction of bacteria is your problem, you should maintain the levels of acidity very low (high ph) with tooth pastes containing baking soda. I hope this illustration helped you understanding the effects of using home made medications. If you had periodontitis you should visit your hygienist 3 to 4 times a year to maintain a healthy condition, but... You stated you still have gum disease, it should be eradicated! with all the respect to your dentist, you should look for a periodontist to give you a second opinion whether or not you have gum disease and alow him to treat you, he is a specialist in the field. Sorry if i hurt your feelings but periodontal disease does not stay in your mouth, it travels and can affect your brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver etc..... Keep your gums healthy forever! good luck!

Simply no: Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer, just like bleach. It will destroy good cells as well as bacteria. Your dentist is mostly right. Floss, brush, rinse...That is the new paradigm. Following perio treatment Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) rinse may be indicated, but this is not for long term use. Listerine zero (no alcohol or burn) is a great product. If you have periodontal disease you most likely need more than a yr.

Could do better: An antiseptic mouthrinse like listerine would be better. And follow the advise of your dentist.

Do not use: Hydrogen peroxide is very toxic and not meant to be used in this way. Listen to your dentist. Brushing and flossing is main defense against gum disease. Using an antiseptic mouthwash may add a small benefit but doesn't take place of brushing and flossing.