5 Best Toothpastes for Gingivitis & Gum Disease 2023

Category: Adult Dentistry, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health

By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: February 16, 2023

Did you know that gum disease affects 70% of individuals over age 65 and 47% of individuals over 30? Unfortunately, it’s increasingly prevalent in our society, and many people are unaware of the adverse effects it has on oral and systemic health.

Bacteria can localize deep below the gum line and wreak havoc on the supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, the bacteria will cause gum infection and irreversible bone loss, also known as periodontal disease. Once bone loss occurs, it’s unable to regenerate back to its original form naturally. So it’s essential to prevent oral harm before it’s too late. Check out the links below to learn more about gingivitis!

Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented or managed with adequate home care, routine dental visits, and proper gum treatment. Many kinds of toothpaste specifically target gum disease-causing bacteria using effective active and inactive ingredients. Stannous fluoride 0.45% is the most commonly used active ingredient because of its anticavity and antigingivitis properties. From a dentist’s perspective, let’s look at the 5 Best Toothpastes for Gingivitis & Gum Disease (2022)

Evaluation Criteria

We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each one from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The toothpaste with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product. Prices listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.

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: Likeability: Is the toothpaste likeable and enjoyable to use?

Colgate Total Gum Protection Toothpaste

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%.

Let’s take a closer look at this bacteria-fighting toothpaste.

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Review

Colgate Total Gum Protection 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. However, overall it was effective at removing plaque bacteria. Lastly, this toothpaste features anticavity and anti-sensitivity properties, beneficial for healthy smiles.

Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste

Parodontax was developed initially by Dr. Focke, a German dentist, in 1937. GSK obtained the brand in 2001 before bringing it to market in 2017. 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.

Let’s take a closer look at this product.

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 2023

Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste

Arm & Hammer has been a trusted brand for more than 170 years. Most people know them by their “America’s #1 Trusted Baking Soda” brand; however, they expanded to oral health care. Also, Arm & Hammer is committed to being environmentally responsible and donates a portion of its profits to charities. Their toothpaste line provides a wide range of care, including CompleteCare, PeroxiCare, and AdvancedWhite. 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.

Let’s take a closer look at Arm & Hammer CompleteCare Toothpaste.

Review

The 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 2023

Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Toothpaste

Crest is a leader in the oral healthcare community combining years of research with product development. Crest Whitestrips is their most desired product; however, they’re also known for their innovative toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify is clinically proven for healthier gums and is backed by the American Dental Association Accepted seal of approval for efficacy. Stannous fluoride 0.45% is the active ingredient to neutralize plaque bacteria, even around the gum line. Let’s see how this toothpaste compares to its competitors.

Let’s see how this toothpaste compares to its competitors.

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.

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Toothpaste

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore is also backed by the prestigious ADA Seal of Acceptance for 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.

Let’s take a closer look at this advanced toothpaste.

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 other 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 attributed to its overall plaque-fighting effectiveness.

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

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.

My Experience & Expertise

Gingivitis and gum disease are prevalent oral conditions. The harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis can be eradicated and prevent further damage. However, if the bacteria overstays its visit, it can progress into irreversible gum disease (periodontitis). Talk to your dentist if you or someone you know has gingivitis or gum disease to receive proper care and treatment.

The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!