Top 6 Best Gum Care Mouthwash Review 2023
Dentist Tested and Reviewed | Time to Read: 7 mins
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: January 30, 2023
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.
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 it is paramount to remove the bacteria before it causes damage.
Related: Learn more about Periodontal DiseaseThe tested products contain several active ingredients to treat gingivitis and plaque accumulation. For example, The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains aloe vera, and the Crest products contain cetylpyridinium chloride. In addition, Listerine Gum Therapy Oral Rinse uses eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate. Each product attacks the bacteria differently, leading to a unique taste, oral sensation, and lasting effects.
Before reviewing, look at the most common problems associated with harmful oral bacteria.
Harmful Oral Bacteria 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.
Tested and Reviewed
Evaluation Criteria
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The oral rinse 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.
- 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 2023
- Best All-Natural Toothpaste Review 2023
- Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash Review 2023
- Best Total Care Mouthwash Review 2023
Crest Gum Care Oral Rinse
Crest is a leader in the oral health care 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.
Let’s take a closer look at this gum care oral rinse to see how it stacks up with its competitors.
Highlights
- Neutralizes plaque germs
- Antigingivitis/antiplaque
- Cool wintergreen flavor
- Prevents bleeding gums
- Alcohol-free
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 19/20
Best for patients with dry mouths and who desire fresh breath.
Pros
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.
Oral-B Gum Detoxify Oral Rinse
The brand “trusted by dentists and consumers worldwide” offers many products to meet your unique oral care needs. 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.
Let’s take a closer look at this unique product.
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
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Total: 18/20
Best for patients that desire refreshing flavor.
Pros
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.
The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
The Natural Dentist was founded to support oral health with natural, non-irritating ingredients. Healthy gums don’t bleed, and 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.
Let’s take a closer look at this oral rinse.
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
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Total: 16/20
Best for patients with sensitive gums and values natural ingredients.
Pros
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.
Listerine Gum Therapy Oral Rinse
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.
Let’s take a look at this popular gum therapy oral rinse.
Highlights
- ADA accepted
- Antiseptic
- Helps reverse signs of early gum disease
- 4x healthier gums in 3 weeks
- Eliminates redness, bleeding and inflammation
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 19/20
Best for patients that desire a strong mint flavor.
Pros
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.
Crest Gum and Breath Therapy Oral Rinse
As discussed, Crest is a leader in the oral healthcare community combining years of research with product development. Gum and Breath Purify also contains cetylpyridinium chloride, similar to Gum Care, to fight gingivitis-causing bacteria. It uses the same amount of active ingredients and also seeks to relieve bad breath.
Let’s take a closer look at this refreshing product.
Highlights
- Clinically proven to promote healthy gums
- Helps prevent bad breath
- Reduces redness and bleeding
- Targets bacteria at the gum line
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Total: 17/20
Best for patients that desire gum care and fresh breath.
Pros
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.
SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse
Dr. Marvin Cohen founded SmartMouth Oral Health Laboratories in 1993. Dr. Cohen was a leader in researching and developing products to combat Halitosis. The original activated oral rinse seeks to eliminate sulfur gas production using patented zinc ion-activated technology. This product is prescription strength, fights inflammation-causing bacteria, and eliminates sulfur gas production. Their bottle design has dual chambers to harness the power of both bad breaths fighting solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at this product.
Highlights
- Prescription-strength
- Dentist developed
- 24-hour bad breath prevention
- Alcohol-free
- Safe for diabetics
- Activated zinc ions block sulfur gas
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Likeability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 19/20
Best for patients that desire gum care and lasting fresh breath.
Pros
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.
Overall Champion: Crest Gum Care Oral Rinse*
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.
About the Author
Dr. Advocate is a board-certified dentist with 5+ years of clinical practice experience on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources presented in layperson’s terms with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.