Best Gum Care Mouthwash 2025 (Full Review)
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
The majority of mouthwashes that you find at the store seek to reduce the microbial load in your mouth.
However, other oral rinses treat various issues, including dry mouth, gum inflammation, halitosis, and oral pain.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 330+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Gum Care Mouthwash from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Crest Gum Care Oral Rinse
- Best Flavor: Oral-B Gum Detoxify Oral Rinse
- Best All-Natural: The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
- Best Gum Detoxify: Listerine Gum Therapy Oral Rinse
- Best Complete Care: Crest Gum and Breath Therapy Oral Rinse
- Best Comfort: SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse
Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation occurs when bacteria in the mouth localizes above and below the gum line triggering an inflammatory response.
If this bacteria is not removed, it can lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
When this occurs, the bone begins to move away from the irritation, and bone loss occurs. Bone loss is irreversible, so removing the bacteria before it causes damage is paramount.
Common Problems
- Bad breath
- Plaque accumulation
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
- Irreversible bone loss
- Tooth decay
- Systemic health correlation
According to recent studies, researchers have discovered a correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The link between gum disease and systemic health problems becomes more apparent when researched.
The Mouth-body connection is a popular topic in healthcare today, and rightfully so, to discover the best healthy living practices.
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 twice daily?
Related Reviews
- Best Gum Care Toothpaste Review 2025
- Best All-Natural Toothpaste Review 2025
- Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash Review 2025
- Best Total Care Mouthwash Review 2025
1. Best Overall | Crest Gum Care
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.
Gum Care contains cetylpyridinium chloride to fight gingivitis-causing bacteria.
Highlights
- Neutralizes plaque germs
- Antigingivitis/antiplaque
- Cool wintergreen flavor
- Prevents bleeding gums
- Alcohol-free
Results
Dentist Review
Crest Gum Care formulated an effective product with a refreshing flavor and minimal burning.
It’s a great all-around product with no altered taste or bitter aftertaste. High likeability because of its flavor and comfort.
Cons
The dry mouth sensation transitions to a cooling effect within a few minutes.
Best for patients with dry mouth
2. Best Flavor | Oral-B Gum Detoxify
Oral-B was founded in 1949 by a periodontist, his wife, and his daughter to create a safer, more effective toothbrush.
Oral-B’s Special Rinse Collection is designed to meet your oral health needs for a healthier mouth. Their product line treats dry mouth, bad breath, gum inflammation, and mouth sores.
In addition, gum Detoxify contains cetylpyridinium chloride to fight gingivitis and reduce gingival redness.
Highlights
- Clinically proven healthier gums
- 24-hour protection against plaque and bad breath
- No added alcohol, dyes, gluten and sulfates
- Mild mint flavor freshens breath
Results
Dentist Review
This product was more refreshing than the Crest products, and the flavor seemed to stick around long after rinsing.
Cetylpyridinium chloride acts by constricting the oral tissue and fighting off the bacteria.
As a result, this product was effective and comfortable to swish with a slight stinging sensation.
Cons
After use, there’s a distinct sensation of dry, dehydrated oral tissue, common with the active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride.
Also, a bitter aftertaste may be uncomfortable for some individuals.
Best for patients that desire refreshing flavor
3. Best All-Natural | The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums
The Natural Dentist was founded to support oral health with natural, non-irritating ingredients.
Healthy gums don’t bleed; this product seeks to remove bacteria that lead to an inflammatory response in the mouth. According to clinical trials, Aloe vera is the active antimicrobial ingredient that beats prescription oral rinses.
Aloe vera has been known for its healing and soothing properties for thousands of years.
Highlights
- 20% purified aloe vera
- Soothes and moisturizes gums
- Peppermint freshens breath
- Contains no sulfates, colors, alcohol or artificial flavors
- Orange zest flavor is mint-free
Results
Dentist Review
Aloe vera is non-irritating and leaves the gum tissue moist and healthy.
There’s no dryness or quenching sensation. There’s absolutely no bitter aftertaste, altered sensation, or mouth parchment.
Also, natural ingredients are less irritating than artificial ingredients.
Cons
Unfortunately, the taste was almost intolerable. It wasn’t as refreshing as others, but it’s hard to beat all this product’s positives.
Also, the orange zest flavor may be a better option for likeability.
Best for patients with sensitive gums and values natural ingredients.
4. Best Gum Detoxify | Listerine Gum Therapy
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.
Highlights
- ADA accepted
- Antiseptic
- Helps reverse signs of early gum disease
- 4x healthier gums in 3 weeks
- Eliminates redness, bleeding and inflammation
Results
Dentist Review
Listerine developed a great formula that offers the freshest breath with a lasting cooling effect.
It was very effective at plaque removal and the intense mint flavor.
The recommended use was manageable, and their active ingredient combination led to less mouth dryness. Also, it’s accepted by the ADA.
Cons
The flavor may be a bit much for some individuals as it takes your breath away.
Also, there was a slight taste alteration upon rinsing.
Best for patients that desire a strong mint flavor.
5. Best Complete Care | Crest Gum and Breath Therapy
Advance to a Healthier Mouth from Day 1* with Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint Multi-Protection Mouthwash.
Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint Multi-Protection Mouthwash kills 99% of germs without the harsh burn of alcohol. It provides 24-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily. *with continued use vs. brushing alone with ordinary toothpaste.
Highlights
- Clinically proven to promote healthy gums
- Helps prevent bad breath
- Reduces redness and bleeding
- Targets bacteria at the gum line
Results
Dentist Review
This product offers excellent flavor and lasting fresh breath long after rinsing.
It was effective at removing plaque and limiting swollen gums. There was minimal stinging, and the directions were manageable to follow.
Cons
Like other products with cetylpyridinium chloride, you can sense the gum tissue constricting and dryness taking effect.
Also, there was slight bitterness long after rinsing.
Best for patients that desire gum care and fresh breath.
6. Best Comfort | SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated
SmartMouth The Original Activated Dual-Solution Breath Rinse Mouthwash provides relief from the symptoms and discomfort of dry mouth.
SmartMouth dry mouth refreshes, moisturizes, rehydrates, cleans, and soothes oral irritation while lubricating oral dryness unlike any other mouth rinse out there. Utilizing patented zinc ion technology, SmartMouth delivers fresh breath for 12 hours with a single rinse.
SmartMouth is also a great kid mouthwash for youngsters over the age of six.
Highlights
- Prescription-strength
- Dentist developed
- 24-hour bad breath prevention
- Alcohol-free
- Safe for diabetics
- Activated zinc ions block sulfur gas
Results
Dentist Review
SmartMouth did a great job formulating a gentle rinse with no aftertaste.
The clean mint was refreshing and eliminated the bad breath. Also, it was effective at targeting gingivitis and bleeding gums.
Cons
We observed a parched mouth sensation during and after rinsing.
However, it seemed to subside minutes later.
Best for patients that desire gum care and lasting fresh breath.
Overall Champion | Crest Gum Care Oral Rinse*
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.
Gum Care contains cetylpyridinium chloride to fight gingivitis-causing bacteria.
My Experience & Expertise
There was a three-way tie between Crest Gum Care, SmartMouth Clinical DDS, and Listerine Gum Therapy.
All three products are effective, comfortable, and flavorful.
They each contain slightly different ingredients. SmartMouth and Crest Gum Care use Cetylpyridinium Chloride as their active ingredient as you sense the oral tissue constricting during swishing.
Listerine uses a variety of alcohol to eliminate harmful bacteria and freshen your breath. Their product is more likely to sting while swishing and rinsing.
If you have sensitive gums, SmartMouth is recommended.
However, the overall winner is Crest Gum Care. It edged out Listerine Gum Therapy because it’s more likable and tolerable to swish.
Listerine Gum Therapy is recommended if you desire a robust and lasting flavor, Listerine Gum Therapy is recommended.
Final Rankings
- Crest Gum Care Oral Rinse 19/20
- Listerine Gum Therapy Oral Rinse 19/20
- SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse 19/20
- Oral-B Gum Detoxify Oral Rinse 18/20
- Crest and Breath Therapy Oral Rinse 17/20
- The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Oral Rinse 16/20
* 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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