Periodontal Disease, or what we commonly refer to as gum disease, affects half of all Americans. With a large portion of the population dealing with gum disease, you would think we would know more about what causes gum disease and how to treat it or prevent it, but like many medical conditions, it often goes untreated.
The signs of gum disease are pretty easy to detect, but a trip to the dentist’s office is an easy way to confirm you are suffering from Periodontal Disease. Gum disease occurs when the gums become inflamed, which can be caused by a lack of or poor technique when brushing and flossing. Bacteria in the mouth can cause plaque to build up over time, which can lead to a handful of issues. When looking for symptoms of gum disease, they can be easy to spot, including red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and receding gums.
Gum disease can range from mild, to moderate and severe cases, but all require treatment if you want to rid your mouth of the side effects and prevent gum disease from returning.
There are groups that are more prone to gum disease, including smokers and people who suffer from diabetes. But gum disease can affect anyone. There are a number of steps that should be taken to treat and prevent gum disease, including quitting smoking, brushing and flossing twice per day and making regular trips to the dentist. If you’re looking for additional steps in combating gum disease, there are some great products that will help you get your mouth back to a healthy state.
1. Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums is designed to be an effective solution for treating and preventing gums from bleeding. Using stannous fluoride, Parodontax is an affordable way to treat gum disease, with the toothpaste not only helping to protect gums from bacteria, but it also protects against cavities and freshens breath. The toothpaste also comes in a whitening option.
Pros: Designed to prevent bleeding gums, while also acting as an anticavity and antiplaque toothpaste.
Cons: Whitening effect could be stronger.
2. Crest Toothpaste Gum Detoxify Deep Clean
Crest is well known for their all-purpose mouthwashes and toothpaste, but they also make great specialized oral care solutions, such as this Gum Detoxify toothpaste. It’s designed to help kill plaque bacteria, and the foaming formula covers hard to reach areas, such as around the gum line. Plus, this toothpaste provides a gently cooling feeling for sore gums. This is also a good value buy, because it comes in a three-pack of 4.1 oz tubes.
Pros: Foaming toothpaste that targets plaque bacteria for healthier gums. Three pack value. Also can help soothe gum pain.
Cons: More expensive than regular Crest toothpaste.
3. OraMD Gum Disease Toothpaste
OraMD Gum Disease Toothpaste is a natural and clinically proven option for killing germs and fighting gum disease. The small but powerful bottle contains 400 drops, which can be used as a toothpaste, a mouthwash, and as a breath freshener, making it a great option to use in addition to your current dental products or as a complete replacement, with one bottle lasting an entire month if used as all three products. The cavity-fighting oil uses sweet almond kernel oil, spearmint leaf oil and peppermint leaf oil to fight bacteria in the mouth, which can lead the plaque buildup.
Pros: Natural ingredients to improve gum health. Works in multiple purposes including as a toothpaste, mouthwash or breath freshener.
Cons: Small bottle can make it hard to dispense drops.
4. Arm & Hammer PeroxiCare Deep Clean Toothpaste
It’s no secret that in a pinch, baking soda can be an effective substitute for regular toothpaste. Arm & Hammer is well-known for making baking soda-based products, and this toothpaste is formulated with baking soda and peroxide to kill germs and provide a deep-clean to remove tartar and plaque build-up. While the baking soda taste might take some getting used to, fans of this toothpaste quickly become hooked on it. Arm & Hammer toothpaste has some devoted fans, including among our editors. It’s designed to clean between teeth and along the gum line to clean hard to reach areas in the mouth. The baking soda leaves your mouth and gums feeling seriously clean.
Pros: Cleans, whitens, and helps remove plaque for healthier gums. Affordable value.
Cons: Can be too intense of a sensation for some. The baking soda flavor isn’t unpleasant, but it can take some getting used to.
5. Periogen Complete Oral Health Rinse
Periogen Complete Oral Health Rinse is a safe and effective oral rinse. When used twice per day, Periogen removes tartar buildup, which if left untreated can harden and cause gum disease. Made with common salt based food additives, Periogen is safe for both children and adults. It’s a concentrated formula that is designed to be mixed with water before rinsing.
Pros: Designed to prevent tartar build-up, uses safe ingredients to prevent tartar buildup and help damaged gums heal.
Cons: Since it’s a concentrate, it requires more effort to mix and rinse with than a regular mouthwash.
6. GUM PerioShield Oral Health Rinse
The aptly named GUM brand makes a variety of oral care products, including this oral rinse that’s specifically designed to help prevent and treat gingivitis and reduce gum bleeding and discomfort. It comes in a 10 oz bottle with an included measuring cup. It’s intended to be used twice a day, after brushing. It works to actively block the build-up of plaque, while loosening and removing existing plaque.
Pros: Helps prevent and treat gingivitis, reduces gum discomfort and bleeding as evidenced in clinical trials.
Cons: Unpleasant flavor.
7. The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse
This mouthwash is designed to help sensitive, bleeding gums while also fighting gingivitis and bad breath. This mouthwash is free of alcohol, so it will be less irritating for those with sensitive gums and teeth. The rinse uses aloe vera as its active ingredient, which acts as a natural antigingivitis and antiplaque agent. True to the brand’s name, The Natural Dentist’s rinse is free of artificial color and flavor, instead relying on a natural peppermint flavor to provide a fresh feeling.
Pros: Fights gingivitis and plaque using natural ingredients. Alcohol-free and free of artificial flavors and colors. Two 16.9 oz bottles included.
Cons: It can take time to feel results.