Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for overall oral hygiene. Gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to serious dental issues like tooth loss, if left untreated. Given the multitude of toothpaste options available, finding the ideal toothpaste for gum disease to cater to your specific needs can be a daunting task.
Quick Take
- Crest Pro Health Advanced Gum Restore: Best Toothpaste for Gingivitis
- Paradontax: Best for Bleeding Gums
- Crest Pro Health Gum Detoxify: Best Deep Cleaning Toothpaste
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Enamel Toothpaste: Best for Sensitive Teeth
- Colgate Renewal Gum Protection Whitening Toothpaste: Best for Early Gum Issues
What to Look For in Toothpaste for Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It can be caused by several factors, but one of the main culprits is the buildup of plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
To help prevent and treat gingivitis, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with a toothpaste that specifically keeps your gums healthy. Here are some features to look for when choosing a toothpaste for gum disease:
- Fluoride Content: Fluoride is a common active ingredient in toothpaste due to its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It can also help reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, thereby helping to prevent gingivitis. Look for a toothpaste that contains at least 0.15% fluoride ion. If you are sensitive to fluoride, there are also effective toothpastes that are fluoride-free.
- Anti-bacterial Properties: Some toothpastes have special antibacterial ingredients designed to fight the bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis. For example, some toothpastes might contain stannous fluoride, a variant of fluoride with antibacterial properties, or triclosan, another powerful antibacterial agent.
- ADA Approval: Look for a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). This seal of approval means the toothpaste has been tested and proven effective at preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Tartar Control: Plaque that remains on your teeth can harden into tartar, a hard mineral buildup that can cause gums to recede and can be difficult to remove. Look for toothpaste that offers tartar control.
- Sensitivity: If your gingivitis is causing sensitive teeth, you might want to opt for a daily toothpaste that’s specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which can help lessen sensitivity.
Crest Pro Health Advanced Gum Restore
This toothpaste is an excellent choice for those experiencing the early signs of gum disease, as it is specifically formulated to combat gingivitis. The Pro Health Advanced Gum Restore promises healthier gums in just 7 days of use, making it an effective option for those looking to quickly revitalize their oral health.
Best Toothpaste for Gingivitis
What it Does: Treats gingivitis by neutralizing plaque-causing bacteria below the gum line
Key Ingredients: Amino Acid Glycine; Stannous Fluoride to protect against cavities, gingivitis, and plaque above the gum line, while also whitening teeth.
Pros:
- Targets the germs around the gum line, making it effective for treating gingivitis.
- Provides protection against cavities and harmful plaque bacteria.
- It contains fluoride, which aids in strengthening tooth enamel.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people allergic to fluoride.
- More expensive than others on the list.
Price: $14.99
Paradontax
Paradontax is a leading name when it comes to bleeding gums, designed to help reduce this symptom which often accompanies gum disease. With daily use, this stannous fluoride toothpaste removes plaque, prevents gum problems, and can considerably lessen gum bleeding, providing relief and helping to improve oral health.
Best for Bleeding Gums
What it Does: Helps reduce bleeding gums by removing plaque build-up below the gumline.
Key Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, which helps to remove more plaque than regular toothpaste; Stannous Fluoride for cavity protection.
Pros:
- Effective in reducing gum bleeding and improving gum health.
- The sodium bicarbonate provides a thorough cleaning and removes harmful bacteria.
- Has a unique taste that contributes to fresh breath.
Cons:
- The taste might be strong and off-putting to some users.
Price: $8.29
Crest Pro Health Gum Detoxify
This specialized toothpaste goes beyond surface cleaning, offering deep cleansing benefits that many others can’t match. Using cool foam technology, Crest Gum Detoxify’s foaming action can reach those difficult-to-access areas in your mouth, ensuring harmful bacteria are effectively neutralized.
Best Deep Cleaning Toothpaste
What it Does: Uses a cool foam technology to reach below the gum tissue for a deep clean, helping neutralize bacteria and remove plaque buildup.
Key Ingredients: Stannous Fluoride for cavity protection and anti-gingivitis properties.
Pros:
- Provides a deep clean, even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Helps neutralize bacteria below the gum line that can lead to periodontal disease.
- Has a pleasant mint flavor.
Cons:
- Some users have reported tooth sensitivity after use.
Price: $6.99
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Enamel Toothpaste
Designed with those with sensitive teeth, this toothpaste offers dual benefits. Not only does it protect your teeth from acid erosion, but it also gently removes stains from the tooth surface, restoring the natural whiteness of your teeth.
Best for Sensitive Teeth
What it Does: Protects teeth against acid erosion while gently removing stains and restoring the natural whiteness.
Key Ingredients: Potassium Nitrate to help relieve tooth sensitivity; Sodium Fluoride to protect against gum disease and tooth decay.
Pros:
- It helps protect teeth from acid erosion and sensitivity.
- It effectively removes stains and helps give you whiter teeth.
- It’s a great daily toothpaste that is gentle on sensitive teeth and gums.
Cons:
- Not as effective on severe tooth discoloration.
Price: $18.34 for a pack of 3
Colgate Renewal Gum Protection Whitening Toothpaste
For those in the early stages of gum issues, this toothpaste from Colgate could be a smart choice. It is designed to reverse early gum damage and inflammation, while also removing surface stains to keep your teeth looking naturally white. It delivers an impressive 10X reparative benefits, which could make a real difference to your oral health.
Best for Early Gum Issues
What it Does: Reverses early gum damage and inflammation, and reduces gum bleeding. It also effectively removes surface stains to help restore your teeth’s natural whiteness.
Key Ingredients: Sodium Fluoride for cavity protection, and a specialized formula for gum health.
Pros:
- Effective in reversing early gum damage and reducing gum bleeding.
- It helps in removing surface stains, restoring natural teeth whiteness.
- Helps prevent bad breath.
Cons:
- May not be as effective for advanced gum issues.
Price: $19.99 for a two pack
Prevent Gum Disease With Professional Cleanings at Houston Biological Dentistry
Professional cleanings play a critical role in preventing gum disease. Even with meticulous at-home care, including regular brushing and flossing, some plaque may still remain on the teeth and can eventually harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning performed by a dental professional. For optimal gum health, schedule your dental cleaning today!
