Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash (Full Review)
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Oral rinses treat various issues, including dry mouth, oral fungus, stained teeth, and oral pain.
In addition, individuals with sensitive gums may have challenges with some of these products because of the harsh active ingredients.
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 Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: CloSYS Non-Irritating Rinse
- Best Sensitivity: Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Mouthwash
- Best Gum Care: TheraBreath Dentist Formulated Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
- Best All-Natural: StellaLife VEGA Antimicrobial Rinse
Evaluation Criteria
I (Dr. Hannan) tested each product for 7-14 days, detailing its pros and cons, and rated it from 1 to 5 in four key areas.
- Effectiveness: Does the mouthwash treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Are you able to swish for recommended time? Did it sting or burn? How did the mouth feel afterwards?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it tolerable? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: Is the product likeable and enjoyable to use? Are you able to use it as directed?
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Gum Sensitivity Overview
Gum tissue is susceptible and, if adversely triggered, can lead to redness, pain, peeling, and irritation.
For example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in most over-the-counter mouthwash that has been shown to cause gum irritation.
Several products provide oral health benefits while being gentle on the gum tissue. However, gum irritation can occur from SLS, trauma, oral accident, tissue burn, mouth sores, or denture irritations.
Therefore, oral hygiene becomes even more important to prevent further irritation and possible complications.
1. Best Overall | CloSYS Non-Irritating
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.
Highlights
- American Dental Association accepted
- Gentle mint flavor
- Naturally activated and pH-balanced
- Reduces bad breath
- Free from alcohols, sulfates and triclosans
- Floss or water irrigate between teeth
- Brush teeth with CloSYS toothpaste
- Rinse for 30-45 seconds with 1 capful
- Try not to eat or drink for 20 minutes
Results
Best for patients with sensitive gums and design gentle mint flavor.
Dentist Review
CloSYS is comfortable and surprisingly flavorful.
There’s no burning, stinging, bitterness, or odd aftertaste. They formulated an effective product that’s highly desirable.
They offer other flavors and an ultrasensitive non-irritating rinse if this product is difficult to tolerate.
Cons
No concerns were observed.
2. Best Sensitivity | Oxyfresh Fresh Breath
Oxyfresh was founded in 1984 and developed oral care products for people and pets.
They create “safe, eco-friendly solutions that combine science and natural ingredients.” Also, they have products that treat oral health problems, including bad breath, sensitive teeth, mouth sores, gingivitis, and gum disease.
Oxyfresh oral rinse was awarded first place in the 2020 Family Choice Awards.
Highlights
- Dentist approved
- Instant, all-day fresh breath
- Reduces harmful bacteria by 44%
- Improves plaque index by 79%
- pH-balanced
- Contains essential oils, aloe and xylitol
- Alcohol-free and dye free
Results
Best for patients with bad breath and dry mouth.
Dentist Review
Oxyfresh mouthwash is different from all other products tested.
Its lemon mint flavor is much sweeter than other rinses that are overpowering and uncomfortable to swish. It was comfortable and enjoyable to use. There was no burning, stinging, or dry mouth aftertaste.
Also, it effectively eliminated bad breath and left our mouths clean and refreshed.
Cons
One minor concern was that the lemon mint aroma reminded us of a chemical cleaning product.
It was an odd experience from an otherwise fantastic product.
3. Best Gum Care | TheraBreath Fresh Breath
Dr. Harold Katz created TheraBreath to help his daughter overcome her struggle with bad breath.
Since 1994 they’ve been creating oral care products that treat halitosis, gum disease, tooth decay, stained teeth, immune support, tooth sensitivity, and dry mouth. The original TheraBreath formulation attacks odor-causing bacteria rather than masking it with heavy flavors or powerful odors.
TheraBreath is one of the five largest oral care companies and the largest privately-held manufacturer. TheraBreath Oral Rinse stimulates saliva flow and circulates antibacterial, oxygen-rich bacteria throughout your mouth.
Highlights
- American Dental Association accepted
- Dentist formulated
- Fights bad breath for 24 hours
- Alcohol-free formulation doesn’t burn or irritate
- Oxygenated ingredients that kills bad bacteria
- Mild mint is gentle on sensitive gums
- No artificial flavor or colors
- Certified kosher, vegan and gluten-free
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Results
Best for patients with sensitive gums and averse to overpowering flavors.
Dentist Review
Dr. Katz developed a formula that works to reduce bad breath.
Immediately you realize how comfortable it is to swish around. You forget you’re using mouthwash as it seems like you’re swishing with water.
The mild mint flavor is just the right amount to be refreshing but not overpowering. After multiple days of use, morning breath is eliminated, guaranteed, or your money back.
We were pleased with the overall effectiveness of this product.
Cons
The directions state to use one capful for 1 minute and another for 30 seconds.
If you continued this regimen twice daily, you would need a new bottle every week.
One option is to use one capful for one-minute swishing and gargling or half a capful for each.
4. Best All-Natural | StellaLife VEGA Antimicrobial
StellaLife VEGA Oral Coconut Rinse is a natural, antimicrobial product that has been formulated to hydrate the oral cavity, promote healthy gums, maintain oral health, and freshen breath.
The patented rinse supports healthy healing following oral surgery and periodontal treatment. The rinse is specially formulated for patient with a sensitive mouth.
The rinse is also uniquely designed for patients undergoing chemo and radiation treatments and patients with various oral cavity inflammatory conditions.
Highlights
- Natural, antimicrobial oral rinse
- Hydrates and promotes healthy gums
- Maintains oral health and freshens breath
- Peppermint or coconut flavor
- Reduces bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease
- Non-staining, sugar-free and non-toxic
Results
Best for patients that value natural ingredients and antimicrobial benefits.
Dentist Review
This product was comfortable to swish and provided hours of dry mouth relief.
The peppermint flavor was intense but enjoyable. The product comes with a measuring cup for accurate pours each time, and the directions are simple to follow.
Natural flavors are beneficial, and limiting teeth stains is a bonus.
Also, it’s encouraging that they were able to combine antimicrobial benefits with dry mouth hydration.
Cons
The aftertaste was unique and slightly bitter.
However, it seemed to subside after 20-30 mins.
Unfortunately, they only recommend using this product three times daily, so we recommend other products if you need repeated refreshing.
Overall Champion | CloSYS Non-Irritating Rinse*
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.
Final Thoughts
CloSYS edged out TheraBreath and Oxyfresh to claim the top spot.
CloSYS and TheraBreath are similar in flavor and comfort.
Both products are recommended for patients that desire a mild taste. Oxyfresh has a robust flavor with lasting freshness.
CloSYS offers many other types of mouthwash, including Multi-Benefit 55+Rinse and an Ultrasensitive Non-Irritating Rinse.
Final Rankings
- CloSYS Non-Irritating Rinse 20/20
- TheraBreath Dentist Formulated Fresh Breath Oral Rinse 19/20
- Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Mouthwash 19/20
- StellaLife VEGA Antimicrobial Rinse 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.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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