What is the level of exposure when using toothpastes and mouth-rinses containing hydrogen peroxide?
Toothpastes and mouth rinses may also contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant to prevent plaque and inflammation of the gums. Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide present in toothpaste is rapidly broken down by the saliva and that other toothpaste ingredients, such as fluoride or sodium bicarbonate do not interfere with this process. One study found that 70% of the hydrogen peroxide was broken downduring the first minute of brushing. Some of the toothpaste and mouth rinse used is swallowed: • It is estimated that on average, the total amount of toothpaste a person ingests per day is 0.48 g, Assuming that the toothpaste used contains 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the amount of hydrogen peroxide swallowed would be 0.48 mg. • The estimated average amount of mouth rinses ingested daily is 3 g. If the mouth rinse contains 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the resulting amount of hydrogen peroxide ingested per day will be 3 mg. Summary table of clinical studies using hydrogen
