You may have heard the rumor that you can use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath, and may wonder if that's really the case since peroxide seems very harsh and rather unpleasant.  Putting it on an open cut is painful, so why would you put it in your mouth?  This is a very valid point, but you can use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath if you know how to do it properly.

The reason that you would want to use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath in the first place is that most cases of bad breath are caused by bacteria and germs in the mouth, and bacteria always has a foul odor.  Peroxide can kill those germs and bacteria and is especially effective because it can rinse away areas you might miss with your toothbrush, such as between the teeth or in the back of the mouth.  But there are some things you want to remember when you use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath; don't simply buy a big jar of it from your pharmacy and start gargling with it or swishing it around your mouth.

The first thing to remember when you use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath is that you never want to use it full strength.  You almost always have small cuts or abrasions inside your mouth or other sensitive areas, and using hydrogen peroxide at full strength is not only going to be painful, it might actually get those areas inflamed and irritated.  Instead, cut it with some water, typically about half and half. 

Another thing to remember when you use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath is that while peroxide can kill germs and bacteria, it also leaves your skin on the inside of your mouth very dry and this can make your bad breath worse.  Germs will stick to your teeth and gums when your mouth is dry, and this just hastens your bad breath.  When you do use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards.  Or, try the peroxide first before you brush so that the brushing will get any residue of the peroxide out of your mouth.

It's also not a good idea to swallow the mixture when you use hydrogen peroxide for bad breath.  Instead, gargle with it or swish it around the inside of your mouth and spit it out, as you would mouthwash.