5 Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis 2024 (My Thoughts)
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Gingivitis, though common, can be a thorn in the mouth that no one should ignore.
It’s critical to address this condition with the proper oral care regimen to prevent it from escalating to more severe dental issues.
However, the real challenge is finding the most effective products that make a difference.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 300+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the 5 Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Parodontax Active Gum Health
- Best All-Natural: Hello Peace Out Plaque
- Best Value: Colgate Total
- Best Advanced: TheraBreath Healthy Gums
- Best Sensitivity: CloSYS Sensitive
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Gingivitis Causes & Symptoms
Gingivitis – sounds like a bit of a mouthful, right?
Despite its intimidating name, it’s a common circumstance many of us might have faced at some point. So, let’s break it down together.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which occurs when plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – builds up on the teeth and hardens over time. This plaque triggers an immune response that can lead to inflammation of the gum tissue, thus, gingivitis.
If left untreated, it can advance to more serious gum diseases and could potentially lead to tooth loss. That’s why it’s super important to nip this in the bud!
You might wonder, “How do I know if I have gingivitis?” Well, the symptoms aren’t always as obvious as a toothache.
Signs & Symptoms
- Electric Toothbrushes for Better Plaque Removal: They’re more effective than manual brushes, featuring timers, brushing detection, subscription heads, and oscillating tech.
- Flossing: Essential for Clean Teeth: Regular flossing, especially with a “C-shaped” technique, effectively removes bacteria between teeth. Water flossing is ideal for larger gaps.
- Water Flossing’s Role in Fighting Gingivitis: Using a water flosser with antibiotic mouthwash is proven to control gingivitis bacteria.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A Gum Health Ally: Short-term use of hydrogen peroxide can manage gingivitis. Fluoridated hydrogen peroxide rinses also help in stain removal and gingivitis reduction.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash for a Deeper Clean: Brushing alone cleans just 25% of your mouth. Listerine’s antibacterial mouthwash eliminates bacteria and plaque quickly. Mouthwashes with essential oils like thymol, menthol, and eucalyptol also reduce inflammation.
Mouthwash & Gingivitis Prevention
Let’s be honest; when we think of mouthwash, our minds usually leap to fresh breath, right?
Well, it turns out that mouthwash can play a crucial role in combating gingivitis, and it’s more than just a breath freshener.
Key Benefits
- Reaching Where Brushes Can’t: Mouthwash is great at getting into tight spots that toothbrushes and floss might miss. It reduces bacteria and plaque, key culprits in gingivitis.
- Packed with Powerful Ingredients: Mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils. These help slow plaque buildup, lessen gum inflammation, and kill bacteria, which are all vital in fighting gingivitis.
- Fighting Acid with Mouthwash: It’s not just about cleaning; mouthwash can neutralize harmful acids from bacteria. This prevents enamel erosion and gum inflammation, protecting against tooth decay and gingivitis.
However, here’s the kicker – not all mouthwashes are up to this task. To effectively prevent and manage gingivitis, you’ll need a therapeutic mouthwash, not just a cosmetic one that simply masks bad breath.
Top 5 Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis
We’ve sifted through countless products, relied on dental experts’ recommendations, and now present our cherry-picked list of top 5 types of mouthwash.
These champions stand tall not just in their battle against gingivitis but also in offering a pleasant taste and excellent value for your money.
1. Best Overall | Parodontax Active Gum Health
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.
Dentist Review
Parodontax Active Mouthwash tops our list for its superior effectiveness in fighting gingivitis. It targets plaque, the primary cause of gum disease, while delivering a refreshingly pleasant user experience.
With consistent use, it reduces common gingivitis symptoms and improves overall gum health. Despite its robust formulation, its affordability makes it a worthwhile addition to your daily oral care routine.
2. Best All-Natural | Hello Peace Out Plaque
Say hello to naturally healthy antigingivitis mouthwash.
Thoughtfully formulated with aloe vera to promote healthy gums, this rinse contains coconut oil to moisturize, mint to freshen and natural sweeteners to rock your taste buds. And it prevents plaque and gingivitis, and freshens breath.
Hello contains no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no dyes and no SLS sulfates. As if that weren't enough magic for one bottle, hello is also vegan, never tested on animals.
Dentist Review
Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash is a natural, effective solution for gingivitis. It combats plaque while soothing the gums with antibacterial ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil.
Free from alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and dyes, it offers a refreshing and pleasant experience. Despite its gentle, eco-friendly composition, it delivers powerful results, making it a valuable choice for those seeking a nature-inspired approach to oral care.
3. Best Value | Colgate Total
Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash doesn't just freshen breath; it provides 12-hour protection against germs, even after eating and drinking, helping to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
It kills 99% of germs on contact, significantly reduces plaque and helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash (does not contain ethanol) and has a refreshing Peppermint Blast flavor.
Dentist Review
Colgate Total Mouthwash provides an affordable solution to gingivitis without compromising effectiveness.
Its comprehensive formula fights plaque and protects against germs, reducing gum inflammation and bleeding symptoms. The fresh, minty flavor enhances the user experience, making this product a value-for-money choice in maintaining good oral health.
4. Best Advanced | TheraBreath Healthy Gums
It is estimated that nearly 50% of the population of the United States lives with gum disease in some form.
Whether you’re noticing sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, or have been diagnosed with gingivitis, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is an effective solution.
Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is a safe and effective treatment to fight bacteria and common symptoms of gum disease, which can also be related to diabetes.
Dr. Katz’s Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is periodontist-formulated to help people living with gum disease.
Dentist Review
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is a powerful, periodontist-developed solution for severe gingivitis. Its advanced formula, enriched with the FDA-approved ingredient CPC, actively fights plaque and gum disease.
Its alcohol-free formulation and pleasant mint flavor offer a comfortable and enjoyable user experience.
Despite its high potency, it remains reasonably priced, proving that effective treatment for serious oral health concerns can be accessible and enjoyable.
5. Best Sensitivity | CloSYS Sensitive
In 1980, Dr. Perry Ratcliff founded Closys to replace ineffective and irritating oral rinses.
He formulated an extremely effective yet gentle oral rinse that a small group of dentists praised. Closys Oral Care was born and continues to create high-quality, comfortable oral rinses.
Their products are made in the USA and are free from alcohol, sulfates, and triclosan.
Dentist Review
CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash is a top choice for individuals with sensitive gums. Its gentle, alcohol-free formula effectively fights plaque and gingivitis without causing discomfort or irritation.
This mouthwash is specifically designed to balance your mouth’s pH for optimal oral health while being gentle on sensitive gums.
With its mild, pleasant flavor and impressive oral health benefits, CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash is an ideal option for those prioritizing comfort in their gingivitis-fighting arsenal.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I’ve spent countless hours advocating for the importance of oral hygiene and guiding patients through their journeys to healthier smiles.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how common yet under-addressed issues like gingivitis can impact a person’s overall well-being.
That’s why I’ve dedicated much of my professional career to educating others on the importance of proper oral care and the best tools to achieve it.
Whether you’re looking for a powerhouse formula to tackle severe gingivitis, a natural solution, or something gentle yet effective for sensitive gums, there’s an option for you on this list.
Remember, the best mouthwash is the one you’re comfortable using regularly as part of your oral care routine.
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.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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