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Hydrogen Peroxide - Definition of Hydrogen Peroxide

From , former About.com Guide

Updated April 13, 2009

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Definition:

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is a naturally occurring by-product of oxygen, made from two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It is a weak acid that is used for bleaching, disinfecting, and as an antiseptic.

In dentistry, hydrogen peroxide is used at different percentages of concentration for a number of reasons, such as:

  • Professional tooth whitening gel
  • Antiseptic mouth and throat rinse
  • As a disinfectant to irrigate or rinse the inside of the tooth during a root canal.
  • Added to toothpaste and other over-the-counter whitening products as a bleaching agent

Also Known As:

Peroxide

H2O2

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