Quick Answer
It is not recommended to mix hydrogen peroxide and Listerine. While both can be used as antiseptic mouthwashes, combining them can reduce their effectiveness and may even produce harmful byproducts. It’s better to use them separately as directed.
Can You Mix Peroxide And Listerine?
Hydrogen peroxide and Listerine are commonly used oral antiseptics that serve similar purposes, so some people wonder if you can mix the two together. However, there are a few reasons why it’s not advisable to combine hydrogen peroxide and Listerine:
- It reduces their effectiveness – When mixed together, the ingredients in Listerine and hydrogen peroxide can react and neutralize each other. This reduces the antiseptic capabilities of both solutions.
- May form harmful byproducts – The chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and Listerine can potentially form new compounds that are irritating or toxic to oral tissue.
- Alters intended uses – Listerine and hydrogen peroxide are meant to be used in specific ways for certain situations. Mixing them changes the solutions in ways not intended.
- Unbalanced ratios – It’s difficult to control the ratios when mixing the two, which may lead to an improper balance and less effective solutions.
- No added benefit – There’s no evidence that mixing hydrogen peroxide and Listerine has any added effect or benefit over using the two separately as directed.
For these reasons, dentists and other dental health professionals recommend against mixing hydrogen peroxide and Listerine together. You can gain the antibacterial and antiseptic advantages of both by using them separately as directed by the manufacturer.
Listerine Uses
Listerine is an oral antiseptic mouthwash that contains essential oils such as menthol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, and thymol. It is clinically proven to:
- Kill germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath
- Prevent and reduce plaque buildup
- Treat and prevent gingivitis
- Freshen breath
Some common uses of Listerine include:
- Daily oral hygiene – Using Listerine daily helps control plaque, gum disease, and freshens breath.
- Braces care – The antibacterial properties help keep braces clean and prevent bacteria buildup.
- Post-oral surgery – Listerine can help prevent infections and keep sites clean after procedures.
- Sore throats – The antiseptic and numbing ingredients provide relief for minor throat irritations.
- Canker sores – Listerine can help reduce pain and speed healing of mouth ulcers.
Listerine should be used twice daily – morning and night – for best oral hygiene results. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
Hydrogen Peroxide Uses
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that can also be used as an antiseptic mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen bubbles that break up plaque and kill bacteria. Some ways hydrogen peroxide is used for oral health include:
- Tooth whitening – Due to its mild bleaching abilities, dilute peroxide can brighten teeth and remove some stains.
- Mouth sores – The antiseptic properties help heal canker sores, gum sores, and other minor mouth lesions.
- Tooth pain – Hydrogen peroxide can provide temporary relief for toothaches and irritation.
- Cold sores – When dabbed on early, peroxide may help halt progression and reduce healing time.
- Dental procedures – Used as a pre-rinse before procedures, hydrogen peroxide helps clean the mouth.
The most common concentration used for oral care is a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. It should always be diluted before use as a mouthwash – half water and half peroxide is typical. Rinse for about 30 seconds and spit out.
Potential Issues When Mixing
There are a few potential concerns associated with mixing hydrogen peroxide and Listerine:
- Reduced efficacy – Ingredients may neutralize each other, reducing the antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Toxic byproducts – Chemical reactions between the two could form new irritating or toxic compounds.
- Improper ratios – It’s difficult to control the proportions when mixing, which may reduce effectiveness.
- Oral tissue irritation – The combination may cause irritation, inflammation, or sensitivity in the soft tissues of the mouth.
- Hard to rinse – The mixture is likely to foam excessively, making it difficult to rinse from the mouth thoroughly.
Dentists caution that the risks outweigh any potential benefits of mixing the two products. It’s impossible to validate the safety or efficacy of a homemade mixture. For best results and oral health, hydrogen peroxide and Listerine are better used separately according to directions.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Listerine Safely
If you want to incorporate both hydrogen peroxide and Listerine into your oral care routine, use them at alternate times of day or on alternating days. Here are some safe ways to gain the benefits of both:
- Use Listerine as part of your daily morning and night oral hygiene regimen.
- Rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide a few times per week after brushing and flossing.
- Use Listerine in the morning and peroxide at night, or vice versa.
- Alternate using Listerine one day and peroxide the next.
- If using after dental work, rinse gently with peroxide first, spit it out, then use Listerine.
Always follow the usage instructions from the manufacturer. Never swallow mouthwash products. Use for the shortest duration recommended and don’t overuse. See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide for Oral Health
When used properly, hydrogen peroxide offers several benefits for oral hygiene and dental health:
- Kills bacteria – Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which disrupts cell membranes and kills microbes in the mouth.
- Removes plaque – The bubbling action helps break up and lift away plaque from teeth.
- Treats gingivitis – Peroxide can reduce inflammation and heal early-stage gum disease.
- Whitens teeth – Peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can brighten stains on teeth.
- Heals sores – It can help treat and speed recovery from canker sores or irritation.
- Relieves pain – Hydrogen peroxide provides temporary pain relief for toothaches and mouth sores.
- Prevents infection – Used pre-procedure, peroxide helps clean the mouth and prevent infection.
However, peroxide should only be used for short durations. Prolonged exposure can damage tooth enamel and oral tissues. Always dilute with water before using as a mouthwash.
Potential Benefits of Listerine for Oral Health
Listerine offers the following evidence-based benefits for oral and dental health when used correctly:
- Prevents and treats gingivitis – Listerine reduces plaque and gingival inflammation.
- Freshens breath – The antiseptic oils kill odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Reduces plaque – Used daily, it keeps plaque in check better than brushing and flossing alone.
- Prevents cavities – Listerine disrupts bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay.
- Treats canker sores – The numbing ingredients provide pain relief for mouth ulcers.
- Fights bad bacteria – Listerine kills harmful bacteria while leaving good oral bacteria intact.
- Cleans oral appliances – It helps clean and sanitize dental appliances like retainers.
However, overuse of mouthwash like Listerine can cause harm. Use only as directed and avoid excessive swishing. See a dentist at least twice yearly and address any concerns promptly.
Are There Any Benefits to Mixing Hydrogen Peroxide and Listerine?
There is no clear evidence to suggest mixing hydrogen peroxide and Listerine provides any additional oral health benefits. In fact, combining the two may be detrimental for the following reasons:
- May reduce efficacy of active ingredients
- Potential for chemical interactions or new byproducts
- Difficult to control proportions of the mixture
- Oral irritation or sensitivity may occur
- No way to validate safety or effectiveness
The concentrations and formulas of these commercial products have been clinically tested for safety and efficacy already when used alone as directed. Mixing them alters the solutions in ways that cannot be verified as beneficial or even safe.
According to dental experts, hydrogen peroxide and Listerine should never be combined or used together. There are no advantages to mixing the two antiseptic mouthwashes, and doing so has several risks that outweigh any potential benefits. For the best oral hygiene, use Listerine and peroxide separately as recommended.
Other Oral Health Tips
In addition to using mouthwash properly, here are some other tips for maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health:
- Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once per day to clean between teeth.
- See your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups every 6 months.
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, excessive alcohol, and acidic or sugary foods and drinks.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Limit snacking and stick to 3 healthy meals per day.
- Use lip balm with SPF protection to avoid sun damage.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or after illness.
Developing good long-term oral care habits can help boost your dental health. Be sure to see a dentist promptly if you develop tooth pain, swelling, sores, redness, or other problems. Addressing issues early is key to reversing damage and preventing extensive treatment later on.
The Bottom Line
Mixing hydrogen peroxide and Listerine is not recommended. Doing so can reduce the effectiveness of both products and may even produce harmful compounds that irritate oral tissues or teeth. For the best results, use hydrogen peroxide and Listerine mouthwashes separately, at different times of day, and according to the manufacturer’s directions. Combining the two provides no additional benefits and poses unnecessary risks to your oral health. Maintain a consistent daily oral hygiene routine and see your dentist twice yearly for optimal dental health.
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Listerine | Mixed Together |
|---|---|---|
| Whitens teeth | Freshens breath | Reduced efficacy |
| Treats gum disease | Prevents plaque | Potential unsafe byproducts |
| Relieves tooth pain | Kills bad bacteria | Difficult to control ratios |
Key Points
- Never mix hydrogen peroxide and Listerine together – use separately
- Combining them can reduce effectiveness and cause oral irritation
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use of each product
- See a dentist regularly for exams and professional cleanings
- Practice good daily oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use