5 Best Toothpaste for Gingivitis (Dentist Recommended)

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Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Dr. Matthew Hannan | My Dental Advocate
Best toothpaste for gingivitis & gum disease | My Dental Advocate

Did you know that the right toothpaste can be your first line of defense against gum disease and gingivitis?

It’s not just about fresh breath.

Choosing the best toothpaste for gingivitis is critical in preventing gum issues that can lead to serious dental problems.

As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 250+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Toothpaste for Gingivitis from a dentist’s perspective.

Need Dental Advice? Ask Dr. Hannan!

Related: Gingivitis | The Ultimate Guide (Content Hub)

Buying Guide

  1. Best Overall: Colgate Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore
  2. Best Budget: Colgate Total Gum Protection
  3. Best Flavor: Parodontax Active Gum Repair
  4. Best Sensitivity: Arm & Hammer CompleteCare
  5. Best Gum Health: Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify

Evaluation Criteria

I tested each product for 7-14 days, detailing its pros and cons, and rated it from 1 to 5 in four key areas.

  1. Effectiveness: Does the toothpaste treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
  2. Comfort: Was the toothpaste comfortable? Was there any burning, stinging or uncomfortable sensation?
  3. Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it refreshing? Did it alter your sense of taste?
  4. Likeability: Is the toothpaste likable and enjoyable to use?
Related: 6 Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis & Gum Disease 2024

Gingivitis Overview

Gum disease, often starting as mild gingivitis, can quietly wreak havoc on your dental health.

Ignoring gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth.

This can result in tooth loss, and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Effective toothpaste isn’t just a dental choice; it’s an essential step in maintaining overall health.

Gingivitis Signs & Symptoms

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums during and after tooth brushing
  • Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

According to research, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease, and the prevalence of gum disease increases with age, with 70.1% of adults 65 years and older affected.


1. Best Overall | Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste

Best Overall
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore is also backed by the prestigious ADA accepted seal of approval!

It works by preventing cavities, preventing/reducing plaque bacteria, preventing/reducing gingivitis, reducing tooth sensitivity, and helping prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids.

This toothpaste is similar to Gum Detoxify; however, it’s uniquely stabilized with the amino acid glycine to unleash the power of stannous fluoride.

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Dentist Review

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste checked all the boxes. It offers an exceptional sweet mint flavor that lingered for many hours, much longer than competitors.

Also, the paste was smooth, refreshing, and comfortable on the gum tissue. The addition of the amino acid glycine is an advanced formulation and is attributed to its overall plaque-fighting effectiveness.

Highlights

  • Stannous fluoride 0.45%
  • ADA accepted
  • Promotes gum healing
  • Formulated with amino acid glycine
  • Clinically proven healthier gums
  • Deep clean flavor
  • Neutralizes harmful plaque bacteria
  • Helps reverse gingivitis

Results

Effectiveness0
Comfort0
Taste0
Likability0
Total0

Best overall gingivitis toothpaste!


2. Best Budget | Colgate Total Toothpaste

Best Budget
Colgate Total Toothpaste
$17.99 ($0.94 / Ounce)

Colgate seeks to develop products that promote healthy smiles.

They’ve been in the oral health care industry for over 145 years and offer a range of oral care products. Sustainability is also important to them as they recently created a first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube.

Lastly, they strive to be an accessible company that offers many educational resources to the public and dental professionals. Colgate Total Gum Protection Toothpaste features 12 hours of antibacterial protection, powered by stannous fluoride 0.45%.

Buy Now (Amazon) Buy Now (Colgate)
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03/25/2024 06:20 pm GMT

Dentist Review

Colgate Total Toothpaste was comfortable and provided an exceptional clean. It offers a sweet mint flavor.

However, the flavor wasn’t as refreshing as we desired, and lasting fresh breath was minimal.

Overall it was effective at removing plaque bacteria. Lastly, this toothpaste features anticavity and anti-sensitivity properties, beneficial for healthy smiles.

Highlights

  • Stannous fluoride 0.45%
  • 12 hr antibacterial protection
  • Gluten-free and sugar-free
  • Protects teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums
  • Anticavity and anti-sensitivity toothpaste

Results

Effectiveness0
Comfort0
Taste0
Likability0
Total0

Best gum care toothpaste with anti-sensitivity properties.


3. Best Flavor | Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste

Best Flavor
Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste
$17.00 ($1.67 / Ounce)

Parodontax contains 0.45% stannous fluoride that kills bacteria and reduces carbohydrate metabolism. Also, it has 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to prevent and remove teeth stains.

Parodontax is an everyday toothpaste that helps maintain optimal gum health between dental cleanings. Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste seeks to fight off bacteria localized along the gum line.

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03/25/2024 12:18 am GMT

Dentist Review

Parodontax Active Gum Repair is exceptionally smooth with minimal grit. The fresh mint flavor is refreshing; however, the fresh breath quickly subsides. Word of caution, stannous fluoride may produce surface stains on teeth.

Also, this toothpaste has a slight stinging sensation that transitions to a cooling effect after rinsing. However, overall it was effective and enjoyable to use.

 Related: Top 3 Best Parodontax Toothpaste Review 2024

Highlights

  • Stannous fluoride 0.45%
  • Helps control bleeding gums
  • Fresh mint flavor
  • Anticavity and antigingivitis toothpaste

Results

Effectiveness0
Comfort0
Taste0
Likability0
Total0

Best sensitivity relief with antigingivitis properties.


4. Best Sensitivity | Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste

Best Sensitivity
Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste
$39.41 $33.80 ($0.47 / Ounce)

Arm & Hammer is committed to being environmentally responsible and donates a portion of its profits to charities.

Also, they recently announced a new Essentials line, free of artificial sweeteners, sodium lauryl sulfate, preservatives, parabens, and dyes.

All but one of their toothpaste contains sodium fluoride 0.24% anticavity protection (Essentials Activated Charcoal is fluoride-free). The baking soda and peroxide experience is unique and provides a rejuvenating feel.

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03/24/2024 10:47 pm GMT

Dentist Review

The Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste was surprisingly smooth and gentle on the gums. The soft texture allowed the toothbrush to glide over the teeth without irritating the gums.

It has a great aftertaste, and the flavor was refreshing.

Lastly, the foaming action effectively removed plaque and neutralized the mouth. Although the texture was smooth and comfortable, it did have the most robust baking soda flavor.

However, some individuals may desire this unique aspect.

 Related: Top 3 Best Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Review 2024

Highlights

  • Sodium fluoride 0.24%
  • Fresh mint flavor
  • Baking soda neutralizes acid
  • Strengthens enamel

Results

Effectiveness0
Comfort0
Taste0
Likability0
Total0

Best for patients with sensitive teeth and gums.


5. Best Gum Health | Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Toothpaste

Best Plaque Removal
Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste
$26.87 ($2.18 / Ounce)

Crest Pro-Health Detoxify Toothpaste offers a smooth texture and delightful flavor.

It was refreshing to use; however, similar to other toothpaste, lasting fresh breath was minimal. Nevertheless, the ADA Accepted seal of efficacy encourages and reinforces its overall effectiveness.

We were pleased with the plaque removal and enjoyed the cooling effect after rinsing.

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03/25/2024 12:05 am GMT

Dentist Review

Crest Pro-Health Detoxify Toothpaste offers a smooth texture and delightful flavor. It was refreshing to use.

However, similar to other toothpaste, lasting fresh breath was minimal.

Nevertheless, the ADA Accepted seal of efficacy encourages and reinforces its overall effectiveness. We were pleased with the plaque removal and enjoyed the cooling effect after rinsing.

Highlights

  • Stannous fluoride 0.45%
  • ADA Accepted
  • Anticavity and antigingivitis toothpaste
  • Deep clean flavor
  • Neutralizes harmful plaque bacteria
  • Gently cools gums during and after brushing

Results

Effectiveness0
Comfort0
Taste0
Likability0
Total0

Best gum care toothpaste with cooling properties.


Overall Champion | Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste*

Best Overall
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore is also backed by the prestigious ADA accepted seal of approval!

It works by preventing cavities, preventing/reducing plaque bacteria, preventing/reducing gingivitis, reducing tooth sensitivity, and helping prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids.

This toothpaste is similar to Gum Detoxify; however, it’s uniquely stabilized with the amino acid glycine to unleash the power of stannous fluoride.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste edged out Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Toothpaste because of its overall effectiveness, the addition of amino acid glycine, sweet mint flavor, lasting fresh breath, and anticavity properties.

In addition, we were impressed with how comfortable both Crest Pro-Health Toothpastes were on the gum tissue.

Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Toothpaste took home second place and offers a unique cooling effect after rinsing.

Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste and Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste tied for third.

Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste features sodium polyphosphate 5% to remove stubborn stains. Lastly, Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste offers a unique baking soda flavor and sodium fluoride of 0.24% to prevent tooth decay.

Final Rankings

  1. Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste 20/20
  2. Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Toothpaste 19/20
  3. Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste 18/20
  4. Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste 18/20
  5. Colgate Total Gum Protection Toothpaste 17/20

* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you'll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we'll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

About the Author

Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.

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