Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease (Top Picks)
Gum disease is a prevalent dental health issue faced by many.
It begins as a mild inflammation but can progressively develop into a severe condition that can even lead to tooth loss.
One effective way of preventing and managing gum disease is by incorporating a quality mouthwash into your daily routine.
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, after using it for multiple days, let’s take a closer look at the Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Parodontax Active Gum Health Mouthwash
- Best All-Natural: Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash
- Best Value: Listerine Gum Therapy Mouthwash
- Best Sensitivity: TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
- Best Flavor: CloSYS Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
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Gum Disease Overview
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, commonly affects many people. It is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can cause damage to the bones and tissues that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If caught early, gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease when gingivitis is left untreated. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate. Over time, the bacteria can destroy the bone and tissues that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Some common risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, it is important to see a dentist for evaluation and treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Gum Disease Prevalence: Common and can cause tooth loss.
- Mouthwash Role: Vital for gum disease prevention.
- Mouthwash Variety: Targets specific oral issues.
- Antibacterial Effectiveness: Ingredients like chlorhexidine combat gum disease.
- Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free: Choose based on sensitivity.
- ADA Seal: Indicates effectiveness and safety.
- Overall Oral Health: Includes brushing, flossing, check-ups, and diet.
According to research, Men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women, with 56.4% of men and 38.4% of women affected.
Importance of Mouthwash in Gum Disease
If you suffer from gum disease, you must take extra care of your oral hygiene. Here’s why mouthwash is important for gum disease:
- Reduces Bacteria: Antimicrobial ingredients in mouthwash kill bacteria, essential for those with gum disease to reduce inflammation and bleeding.
- Plaque Removal: Mouthwash helps eliminate plaque, preventing tartar formation and further gum disease. Certain formulas break down plaque more effectively.
- Healing Promotion: Reduces inflammation and infection, with some ingredients soothing gums and alleviating pain.
- Promotes Stability: Regular use keeps the mouth clean, preventing recurrence of active gum disease and strengthening teeth with fluoride.
- Enhances Oral Hygiene: Complements brushing and flossing, freshening breath, removing food particles, and preventing decay.
Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease
Here are some top mouthwashes that can be a great way to supplement your oral hygiene routine.
1. Best Overall | Parodontax Active Gum Health Mouthwash
Enhance your gum care routine and help take control over bleeding gums with Parodontax Active Gum Health Mouthwash.
Designed for people with bleeding gums and free from alcohol and formulated with Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), this oral rinse is designed to kill 99.9 percent of plaque bacteria (1) that builds up along the gum line, one of the main causes of bleeding gums.
With daily use, this mouth rinse forms an antibacterial shield (1) that helps prevent the build-up of plaque bacteria to help take back your gum health. This antiplaque and antigingivitis mouthwash has a mint flavor to help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Dentist Review
Parodontax Active Gum Health Mouthwash is our top pick as the best overall mouthwash for gum disease. It stands out for its innovative formulation and comprehensive protection against plaque build-up and gingivitis.
This product is uniquely positioned to help prevent bleeding gums, a common symptom of gum disease, thanks to its targeted action against the root cause of the issue.
The star ingredient in Parodontax Active Mouthwash is stannous fluoride. Unlike the more commonly used sodium fluoride in many oral care products, stannous fluoride protects against cavities and offers significant benefits for gum health.
It creates a protective barrier over your teeth, preventing bacteria from adhering and forming plaque.
This action is critical in the fight against gum disease, primarily caused by plaque accumulation along the gumline. Furthermore, stannous fluoride effectively remineralizes enamel and reduces tooth sensitivity, bringing additional benefits to oral health.
This mouthwash is free from alcohol, making it suitable for those with a sensitive oral cavity or prone to dry mouth. Plus, it leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean without the burning sensation sometimes caused by alcohol-based mouthwashes.
2. Best All-Natural | Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash
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 the best choice for those who prioritize natural ingredients. This formula combines nature’s bounty with scientific research to create an effective solution for combating gum disease.
A stand-out feature of this mouthwash is its all-natural ingredient list. It uses aloe vera, known for its soothing properties, to help calm inflamed gums. Moreover, it includes coconut oil, a popular ingredient in natural oral care due to its antibacterial properties.
This combination helps fight off harmful bacteria that lead to plaque buildup and gum disease, all while staying gentle on your oral cavity.
This mouthwash also features a natural mint flavor, ensuring your breath stays fresh without using artificial additives. This is a big plus for those who want to avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors in oral care products.
Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash is alcohol-free, natural and ethical. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, showing Hello Oral Care’s commitment to animal welfare. Plus, it’s made in the USA, supporting local production.
3. Best Value | Listerine Gum Therapy Mouthwash
The creator of Listerine, Dr. Joseph Lawrence, named the formulation after Dr. Baron Lister, an English surgeon who performed the first operation in a sterilized chamber disinfected with pulverized antiseptic.
Dr. Lawrence created his formulation to kill germs in tissues like your mouth. As a result, Listerine has the widest variety of mouthwash compared to other brands, offering four different bottle sizes.
Listerine Gum Therapy uses a combination of active ingredients to fight off bacteria.
Dentist Review
The Listerine Gum Therapy Mouthwash is our best value pick if you’re looking for effective gum disease prevention that won’t break the bank. This product combines high-quality oral care with a cost-effective price tag, ensuring that maintaining gum health remains accessible to all.
Listerine is a well-known and trusted brand in the oral health sector, and this particular product continues its legacy of effective, dependable care.
This mouthwash is formulated with eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol, a powerful antiseptic combination designed to fight plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. It’s proven to reach where brushing can’t, offering deep-cleaning action to protect your gums.
This mouthwash stands out for its germ-killing properties. The active ingredients work together to kill germs that contribute to plaque and gum disease, helping to maintain a healthy oral environment. The minty flavor also ensures long-lasting fresh breath.
Furthermore, Listerine Gum Therapy Antiplaque Gingivitis Antiseptic Mouthwash is ADA-accepted, meaning it has been evaluated and accepted by the American Dental Association, an assurance of its safety and effectiveness.
4. Best Sensitivity | TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
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
Our top recommendation for those with sensitive gums is the TheraBreath Healthy Gums Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse. This mouthwash has been specially crafted to combat gum disease gently yet effectively, making it ideal for those experiencing gum sensitivity.
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse was formulated by a periodontist (a dentist specializing in gum disease) and includes various ingredients targeted to improve gum health.
One of these ingredients is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an active ingredient known to combat and effectively combat gingivitis and gum disease.
This mouthwash is also noteworthy for what it doesn’t contain – no alcohol or artificial flavors. This is particularly important for people with sensitive gums, as alcohol can cause a stinging sensation and further irritate the gums.
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is also vegan, gluten-free, and certified kosher, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and requirements. Moreover, it’s made in the USA, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards.
The clean mint flavor provides fresh breath without the harsh burn that some mouthwashes can cause, adding to the overall gentleness of the product.
5. Best Flavor | CloSYS Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
With CloSYS Mouthwashes, you can protect your mouth from harmful bad breath germs and freshen your breath without the painful burn.
CloSYS is one of the first mouthwashes to receive the American Dental Association seal for reducing bad breath. This gentle but powerful mouthwash is perfect for all ages because its patented formula is pH-balanced and so gentle you’ll actually use it longer for better results.
Dentist Review
If you’re looking for a mouthwash that fights gum disease and delivers on taste, CloSYS Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is our top pick. This product prioritizes oral health and user experience, ensuring your daily oral hygiene routine is as pleasant as possible.
CloSYS Mouthwash is known for its gentle yet effective action against gum disease. It contains Cloralstan, a powerful yet gentle antimicrobial that kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria, helping to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
It’s also alcohol-free and pH-balanced, making it suitable for sensitive mouths.
The standout feature of CloSYS Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is undoubtedly its flavor.
This mouthwash comes with a gentle mint flavor, giving you a pleasant and refreshing aftertaste without the burn often associated with alcohol-based mouthwashes. This makes the daily routine of maintaining oral health a necessity and a pleasure.
My Experience & Expertise
By now, you should have a good idea of the best mouthwash options for gum disease.
Remember that the most effective mouthwash for you may depend on your specific needs, such as sensitivity or allergies.
Remember always to follow the instructions on the label and consult with your dentist if you have any concerns or questions. You can keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease with the right mouthwash and good oral hygiene habits.
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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