The appearance of white tissue on your gums after using a homemade paste is a common, though alarming, temporary reaction caused by the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) component. This immediate change is a localized chemical irritation of the delicate gum lining, known scientifically as the gingival epithelium. The whitening phenomenon results from the peroxide’s oxidizing action on the superficial layer of cells. Recognizing this as a chemical effect, rather than an infection or a permanent injury, is the first step toward understanding the situation.
The Immediate Cause: Chemical Oxidation of Gum Tissue
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent, meaning it readily reacts with organic material by stripping electrons from molecules in the tissue. When the peroxide contacts the top layer of gum tissue, it begins a rapid chemical reaction with the cells and enzymes present, such as catalase. This reaction breaks down the H2O2 into water and oxygen gas.
The resulting white color is caused by two simultaneous physiological events. First, the rapid release of oxygen creates a dense layer of tiny gas bubbles trapped within the superficial epithelial layer, making the tissue appear opaque. Second, the chemical irritation causes a temporary restriction of blood flow to the area, an effect called transient ischemia. This localized lack of blood flow contributes to the blanching, as the tissue temporarily loses its natural pink color derived from underlying capillaries.
The white material you see is essentially a superficial sloughing of dead or damaged epithelial cells, a mild form of chemical burn. This top layer of cells is sacrificed in the chemical reaction, creating a protective barrier for the deeper, living tissue underneath. Because the damage is usually limited to this outer layer, the effect is typically temporary, and the tissue will heal quickly once the irritant is removed.
The Role of Concentration and Frequency
This reaction is often a direct result of using an improperly balanced, do-it-yourself mixture. Store-bought hydrogen peroxide is typically sold at a 3% concentration, which is the strength generally recommended for use as a diluted oral rinse. When used undiluted or combined with a solid like baking soda, the concentration of the peroxide in contact with the gum tissue is significantly higher, leading to a more aggressive chemical oxidation.
The baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, exacerbates the problem through mechanical irritation. While sodium bicarbonate has a low intrinsic abrasiveness, mixing it into a thick paste and scrubbing the gums causes physical trauma. This abrasive action can microscopically damage the epithelial surface, creating tiny entry points that allow the concentrated hydrogen peroxide to penetrate more deeply. The combination of chemical burn and physical vulnerability makes the blanching effect much more pronounced than if peroxide were used alone as a diluted rinse.
Immediate Steps for Relief and Recovery
The most important step for relief is to immediately stop using the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and repeatedly with plain water to remove all residual chemical irritants. To promote healing and soothe the irritated areas, prepare a warm saline solution by dissolving about a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Swish this warm salt water gently around your mouth for about 30 seconds, repeating the rinse two to three times daily for the next few days. The salt acts as a mild antiseptic and helps draw fluid from the tissues, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. Mild irritation usually resolves within a few hours, while more moderate chemical burns that cause soreness may take three to seven days to completely heal.
When to Consult a Dental Professional
While the white patch is usually a transient cosmetic effect, there are specific signs that indicate the damage may be more than superficial and require professional attention. Contact a dentist immediately if the white patches on your gums persist for longer than 24 hours. Prolonged blanching suggests a deeper, more significant chemical burn than is typical for a temporary irritation.
Seek professional care if you develop unrelenting pain, or if the affected areas begin to show signs of infection, such as increased swelling, a fever, or the development of blisters or ulcers. Repeated chemical trauma to the gums, especially at the gumline, can potentially lead to gingival recession or persistent inflammation if the underlying tissue structures are compromised.