--answer--Can H2O2 cause "hairy tongue"?

Hi WIEL,

Your question: Hi Mr moreless

While looking at h2o2 articles, a stumbled a few times about comments warning about mouthwashing with diluted h2o2 because it may cause “hairy tongue”. The few times I encountered that kind of warning, no evidences were mentioned. I am a little concerned as I mouthwashed with a 1.5% h2o2 solution that I made from diluting food grade h2o2 with distilled water. But I have in no way any symptoms (even remotely) to the "hairy tongue" problems.

I did some searches on the web. Many sites recommend for that problem to “Gently brush the tongue with a toothbrush twice daily. Then rinse the mouth with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 part peroxide to 5 parts water)”

But Here are two examples that may add to the confusion:


http://www.1800dentist.com/dental-encyclopedia/black-hairy-tongue


From Mayo Clinic


http://www.valleyhealth.com/Health_Library/Article.asp?ref=HQ00325


--BEGINNING OF QUOTE--
Q What causes a black, hairy tongue?

A black, coated tongue is a temporary, harmless condition typically resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria and sometimes yeast in the mouth. These organisms accumulate on the tiny projections of the tongue — called papillae — and cause discoloration. Certain types of bacteria and yeast make red blood cell pigments (porphyrins), which can give the tongue a black appearance. In some cases, the tongue may also appear "hairy" due to more rapid growth of papillae or an interruption of the normal shedding of cells by the tongue.

In some cases, the cause of black, coated tongue can't be determined. However, some potential causes include:

* Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth following antibiotic treatment
* Poor oral hygiene

Some tips for removing the discoloration include:

* Gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush twice a day.
* Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide (one part peroxide to five parts water) or apply it with a toothbrush. Rinse out your mouth afterward.

If this doesn't resolve the problem, consult your dentist or doctor. If the discoloration is due to bacterial overgrowth, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Other causes of tongue discoloration include:

* Medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol
* Regular use of mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol
* Tobacco use
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea
--END OF QUOTE--

It is unclear what “mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol” are. I don't think it is simple diluted h2o2. In my opinion they are products that contain various ingredients, hence they may affect how the h2o2 may react in the mouth.

I don't see how “oxidizing agents” may cause the “hairy tongue”, but I am certainly not qualified to answer this, hence my questions to you: Can you comment on the above? Is there a chance of that “hairy tongue” problem to be caused by 3% h2o2 (or of lower concentration)?

Thanks in advanced

Answer: As most agree that using peroxide may help get rid of the problem, if it is from Bad bacteria and or Yeast infections it does not seem likely that using a dilute peroxide would cause the problem?

As a normal rule I would side with the peroxide helping to rid the body of this problem, if used in Moderation !

More than likely the folks having this problem may be using Antibiotics and other Drugs that are Causing the problem because of Killing off the Good Bacteria !

Cause and Effect !

Smile Tis your choice.