What is the best mouthwash for gingivitis? Discover the top 5 options that can help treat and prevent gum inflammation and swelling.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can irritate your gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

The Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis

There are many different types of mouthwashes available on the market today. However, not all mouthwashes are equally effective at treating gingivitis. Here is a list of the best mouthwashes for gingivitis:

1. Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash

This option works great because it contains menthol, which helps to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation. It also contains alcohol, which kills bacteria and helps to prevent plaque build-up. There are four options to choose from: original, cool mint, freshburst, and cool mint ultraclean.

2. Crest Pro-Health Clinical Rinse

Crest Pro-Health mouthwash contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. It also contains stannous fluoride, which has been shown to be effective at reducing gingivitis.

3. TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

This mouthwash is alcohol-free, which makes it gentle on the gums. It contains ingredients that help to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation.

4. Colgate Zero Mouthwash

This mouthwash is a clean mouthwash that only contains the ingredients needed to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. However, it still promotes strong teeth and healthy gums.

5. Smartmouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse

Smartmouth Clinical mouthwash contains zinc, which helps to kill bacteria and reduce plaque. It also contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities. It prevents bleeding gums and helps to keep the gums healthy.

Common Causes of Gingivitis

There are many different things that can cause gingivitis. Here are just a few of them:

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It contains toxins that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The best way to prevent plaque is to brush and floss regularly.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gingivitis. Tobacco contains chemicals that can damage the gums and lead to inflammation.

Diet

Eating a diet high in sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to plaque build-up. As a result, eating a diet high in sugar can also cause gingivitis.

Age

As you age, your gums can become less firm and more susceptible to gum inflammation. This is because the gum tissue deteriorates with age.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk for gingivitis. These include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia.

How to Prevent Gingivitis

The best way to prevent gingivitis is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. By taking care of your teeth, you can remove the plaque that can cause irritation and inflammation.

In addition, quitting tobacco use is also a great way to prevent gingivitis. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gingivitis, so quitting will help to reduce your risk.

Eating a healthy diet is also important for preventing gingivitis. Eating a diet high in sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to plaque build-up. So, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to keep your gums healthy.

If you have any medical conditions that increase your risk for gingivitis, it is important to control these conditions. This includes making sure your diabetes is under control and getting regular dental check-ups.

How a Dentist Can Treat Gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, your dentist can treat it with a professional cleaning. This involves removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend using a special mouthwash or toothpaste.

If your gingivitis is more severe, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. This involves numbing your gums and then cleaning below the gum line.

In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats more severe cases of gingivitis. They may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as scaling and root planing.

Scaling works well because it removes tartar both above and below the gum line. Root planing helps to smooth the root surfaces of the teeth, which makes it harder for plaque to accumulate.

Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis (Top 5 Options)

Mouthwash works well for keeping teeth and gums clean, and it’s also a popular way to fight gingivitis. But with so many mouthwashes on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. If you are looking for a mouthwash that will help to treat gingivitis, this list has you covered. Keep reading below to learn more about the best mouthwash for gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can irritate your gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

There are many different types of mouthwashes available on the market today. However, not all mouthwashes are equally effective at treating gingivitis. Here is a list of the best mouthwashes for gingivitis:

1. Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash

This option works great because it contains menthol, which helps to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation. It also contains alcohol, which kills bacteria and helps to prevent plaque build-up.

There are four options to choose from: original, cool mint, freshburst, and cool mint ultraclean.

2. Crest Pro-Health Clinical Rinse

Crest Pro-Health mouthwash contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. It also contains stannous fluoride, which has been shown to be effective at reducing gingivitis.

3. TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

This mouthwash is alcohol-free, which makes it gentle on the gums. It contains ingredients that help to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation.

4. Colgate Zero Mouthwash

This mouthwash is a clean mouthwash that only contains the ingredients needed to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. However, it still promotes strong teeth and healthy gums.

5. Smartmouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse

Smartmouth Clinical mouthwash contains zinc, which helps to kill bacteria and reduce plaque. It also contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities. It prevents bleeding gums and helps to keep the gums healthy.

Common Causes of Gingivitis

There are many different things that can cause gingivitis. Here are just a few of them:

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It contains toxins that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The best way to prevent plaque is to brush and floss regularly.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gingivitis. Tobacco contains chemicals that can damage the gums and lead to inflammation.

Diet

Eating a diet high in sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to plaque build-up.

As a result, eating a diet high in sugar can also cause gingivitis. This is because sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque and can cause them to multiply.

Age

As you age, your gums can become less firm and more susceptible to gum inflammation. This is because the gum tissue deteriorates with age.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk for gingivitis. These include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia.

How to Prevent Gingivitis

The best way to prevent gingivitis is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. By taking care of your teeth, you can remove the plaque that can cause irritation and inflammation.

In addition, quitting tobacco use is also a great way to prevent gingivitis. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gingivitis, so quitting will help to reduce your risk.

Eating a healthy diet is also important for preventing gingivitis. Eating a diet high in sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to plaque build-up. So, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to keep your gums healthy.

If you have any medical conditions that increase your risk for gingivitis, it is important to control these conditions. This includes making sure your diabetes is under control and getting regular dental check-ups.

How a Dentist Can Treat Gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, your dentist can treat it with a professional cleaning. This involves removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend using a special mouthwash or toothpaste.

If your gingivitis is more severe, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. This involves numbing your gums and then cleaning below the gum line.

In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats more severe cases of gingivitis. They may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as scaling and root planing.

Scaling works well because it removes tartar both above and below the gum line. Root planing helps to smooth out the roots of your teeth, which can help to prevent plaque from building up.

If you have gingivitis, it is important to see your dentist so that they can treat it. By getting treatment, you can prevent gingivitis from getting worse and leading to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can damage the gums, bones, and connective tissue that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Signs of Gingivitis

The early signs of gingivitis include the following:

• Swollen gums
• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to see your dentist so that they can diagnose and treat the problem. Thankfully, gingivitis is a reversible condition, so getting treatment early is your best bet.

The Key to Good Oral Hygiene

Using gingivitis mouthwash is a great way to treat dental issues. However, sometimes that’s not enough. If you’re experiencing gum inflammation and you need treatment for gingivitis and gum disease, Wayzata Dental can help.

We specialize in preventative dental care, restorative services, cosmetic dentistry, and more. If you’re ready to improve your oral hygiene, call us at 952-473-4900 or book an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!

FAQ

Is mouthwash good for healing gums?

Yes, mouthwash can be beneficial for healing gums. Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth, which can help speed up the healing process. Additionally, some mouthwashes contain ingredients such as fluoride, which can help strengthen the gums and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Which vitamin keeps your gums healthy?

Vitamin C is important for keeping your gums healthy. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to build healthy gum tissue. Vitamin C can also help reduce inflammation in the gums and improve healing. Additionally, Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, which can help protect your gums from infection.

What kind of mouthwash do dentists recommend?

Dentists typically recommend an antiseptic mouthwash, such as one that contains ingredients like fluoride, chlorhexidine, or triclosan, to help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.

Best Periodontal Mouthwash for Healthy Gums

With so many different mouthwash brands out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Are there certain ingredients you should look for in mouthwash, and others that are best to avoid? Should you choose your mouthwash based on the type of dental condition you’re aiming to treat or prevent?

Spoiler alert: Yes and yes! Not all mouthwashes use the same ingredients or hold the same benefits. There are a few factors that you should consider when choosing the right mouthwash for you.

To determine the best mouthwash for you, let’s first define your oral hygiene goals. Are you aiming to strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities? Are you at risk of developing gum disease? Do you currently have gingivitis and you’re looking for a powerful mouthwash to supplement your oral hygiene routine?

Let’s say your goal is to strengthen your teeth and prevent periodontal disease—which is something everyone should aim for. Here are three great periodontal mouthwash options and why they’re so effective!

Top 3 Best Mouthwash for Periodontal Disease

When looking for a periodontal mouthwash or a mouth rinse for gingivitis, it’s a good idea to avoid mouthwash formulas that include alcohol.

Have you experienced that near unbearable burning sensation when gargling a certain mouthwash? That’s likely the alcohol! Alcohol is extremely dry/dehydrating and rather harsh on the skin and gums. It’s infamous for aggravating many oral conditions.

If you have gingivitis, sensitive teeth or gums, using a mouthwash with alcohol could worsen your symptoms and make the healing process more unpleasant than it needs to be.

So now that we know to avoid alcohol in our mouthwash, what is the best mouthwash for periodontitis (periodontal disease)?

1. TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
First on our list is TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, specially-formulated to help treat periodontal disease.

This mouthwash fights gingivitis for 24 hours after using and can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and gum disease symptoms.

Dentist and bacteriologist Dr. Harold Katz created TheraBreath specifically for patients who suffer from gum health issues. It’s formulated with ingredients demonstrated to support and maintain healthy gums and has shown to eliminate germs associated with gum disease.

“The proprietary blend of antibacterial agents goes to work quickly to help keep your gums looking and feeling their best.”

The active ingredient in this periodontal mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride, an antigingivitis and antiplaque agent.

Studies in the International Journal of Oral Science note that CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) may decrease plaque’s ability to mature, and it can help prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.

2. Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash
If you’re in the early stages of gum disease and seeking a mouth rinse for gingivitis, or a mouthwash to prevent gingivitis, Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash is a great option too!

This mouthwash is clinically proven to target bacteria at the gum line, reduce gum swelling and redness, and help protect against plaque that contributes to gingivitis. Crest Pro-Health periodontal mouthwash is also alcohol-free, helps to purify bad breath, and includes cetylpyridinium chloride as its active ingredient.

3. Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse, 1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide
Colgate antiseptic mouthwash has a number of benefits! It’s alcohol-free, destroys bacteria, and helps soothe gum inflammation. The active ingredient in Crest Peroxyl mouthwash is hydrogen peroxide, clinically-proven to kill disease-causing bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent preemptive measure against periodontal disease, as it can help to reverse gingivitis and prevent gum disease from progressing.

“Dental professionals have been using hydrogen peroxide since the early 1900s to prevent and treat periodontitis” (Colgate).

Don’t wait until you develop gum disease to start using a periodontal mouthwash, the best type of treatment is proactive, preventative treatment.

At the Periodontal Health Center, we do everything we can to help our patients keep their beautiful natural teeth and optimize gum health for a lifetime. It’s important that you take the necessary measures to prevent gum disease, instead of waiting until it’s developed to begin treatment.

Using a high-quality, safe mouthwash will not only protect and strengthen your gums, but help prevent cavities too. It’s a small daily commitment that makes a huge impact!

Be sure to read the instructions on the mouthwash you choose, and use it as instructed.

Still have questions about periodontal mouthwash?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We love to hear from you and we want to provide you with the information you need to maintain a beautiful smile.

If you’re looking for a top periodontist in Tampa or New Port Richey, we’d love to meet you! Request an appointment today.

How to rinse the mouth with inflammation of the gums and from the smell

• with the development of inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). This pathology is manifested by their swelling, redness, bleeding and hypersensitivity, deepening and suppuration of periodontal pockets;
• the appearance of any form of stomatitis;
• the occurrence of purulent-inflammatory diseases of the periodontium and jaw bone tissue;
• tooth extraction, etc.

Various remedies can be used to resolve these problems.

Rinsers. These solutions are used to cleanse the mouth of food debris, to strengthen the gums and kill bacteria. Some of them contain components that reduce inflammation of soft tissues and actively suppress the reproduction of microorganisms on the teeth and mucous membranes. LISTERINE® rinses promote the destruction of the bacterial cell membrane, destroying a significant number of harmful microbes without disturbing the balance of microflora. Due to this, the recovery of the initial number of bacteria slows down. Thus, an unpleasant odor is eliminated, the development of inflammation and a number of other dental problems is prevented.

Furacilin solution. Rinsing the mouth with inflammation of the gums or stomatitis can be carried out with a solution of furacilin. This tool has an antimicrobial effect, helps reduce the severity of inflammation. The drug is used every 1.5-2 hours. Dosage and regimen of application are prescribed by the dentist.

Soda solution . A warm solution of baking soda helps reduce inflammation and swelling of the gums, has a disinfecting and mild analgesic effect. It is often used after tooth extraction to improve wound healing.

Antiseptics mouthwash . If it is necessary to use agents with a powerful disinfecting effect, miramistin or chlorhexidine are used to rinse the mouth. They have a similar effect and are often prescribed for stomatitis of various nature, including herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane. The need for their use and doses are determined by a specialist in each case.

Antibiotics . With purulent inflammation, periodontitis and severe bacterial stomatitis, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics. In these cases, systemic antibiotic therapy is carried out, when the drugs are taken orally or even injected.

Folk remedies . Home ways to combat gum disease involve the use of various decoctions and infusions.

• Decoctions of oak bark and blueberries, St. John’s wort tincture are quite effective in bleeding.
• Chamomile, sage, string, calendula have antiseptic properties. When the gums are inflamed, you can rinse your mouth with decoctions of these herbs.

Herbal preparations with various combinations of the listed plants are often used. However, such rinses are recommended to be used as part of complex therapy, and not as independent means.

Back to Contents

Rinsing usually requires about a glass of treatment solution, rinses are used according to the instructions on the package. When using potent drugs, the doctor may recommend using them in a small amount.

Mouthwash must be non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Its concentration must ensure the effectiveness of the application and at the same time be gentle so as not to cause a chemical burn. Solutions are used warm or at room temperature.

* As instructed.

Back to Contents

Gingivitis Mouthwashes

Gingivitis is an inflammatory process in the gums without disturbing the periodontal attachment. The problem is very common: dentists diagnose gingivitis in 90% of patients who come to clinics. If you ignore the disease or treat it incorrectly, the process will definitely progress and eventually can lead to periodontitis, purulent-inflammatory diseases, and loss of teeth. In addition, the oral cavity becomes a source of intoxication for the whole organism ^[1] . That is why it is so important to diagnose gingivitis in time and choose an effective comprehensive course of treatment.

Causes of gingivitis

Inflammation in the gums can provoke a whole range of diverse factors.

• Influence of microorganisms. Bacteria of the oral cavity form colonies, forming plaque, which, localized at the border of the teeth and gums, causes inflammation of the marginal gums. Harmful microorganisms secrete chemotoxins, antigens and mitogens, causing an increased migration of leukocytes into the gingival sulcus. Edema develops, which weakens the adhesion of the gums to the tooth, and microorganisms, together with their decay products, can penetrate deeper and deeper to the root.

• Defects resulting from poor-quality dental treatment. The base of a removable denture or a crown that is too deep under the gum, as well as fillings formed with excess material, can injure soft tissues.

• Periodontal overload due to malocclusion (deep, prognathic, progenic occlusion, incisal overlap), crowding or removal of a large number of teeth. The phenomenon is accompanied by a deterioration in blood flow in the gums, hypoxia and, as a result, inflammatory and degenerative processes.

• Lack of chewing loads. The use of only soft, thermally processed food deprives the periodontal tissues of the necessary loads and leads to their atrophy, as well as to the accelerated accumulation of plaque. Locally, the same processes are characteristic of teeth that do not have antagonists.

• Vitamin deficiency. With a lack of vitamin C, the formation of collagen fibers is inhibited, the gum tissue becomes loose and permeable to harmful microflora. The barrier functions of the gums deteriorate due to the lack of vitamin A, which plays an important role in its epithelization.

• Endocrine disorders. Doctors have found that the development of inflammatory processes in the gums may be associated with hypo- and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus.

• Gastric and duodenal ulcers disrupt calcium metabolism, which leads to periodontal disease (in 85-91% of cases – in inflammatory forms).

• Psychosomatic factors. Bruxism, nervous tension, stress have a negative effect.

• Immunological disorders. Pathological immune conditions can lead to inflammation of the periodontium.

• Hormonal disorders. Often this problem occurs in adolescents during puberty ^{[2, 3]} .

Clinical forms of gingivitis

The most common six forms of the disease, which differ in symptoms and causes. A summary table will help you understand the features of each of them.

As can be seen from the table, the most common cause that can cause any form of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene.

Treatment of gingivitis

The principles of treatment provide for the simultaneous solution of several tasks:

• elimination of the focus of inflammation;

• relief of inflammation and prevention of recurrence;

• restoration of the full functioning of the dental system;

• prevention of development of local and general complications;

• in case of suspicion that gingivitis is provoked by other pathological processes in the body, consultation and subsequent treatment by specialized specialists.

The course may include the removal of tartar by a dentist, the appointment of vitamin complexes, anti-inflammatory therapy and other measures, but the main role is given to oral hygiene: careful regular care of teeth and gums ^[1] .

Gingivitis is quickly eliminated with the help of properly performed brushing of the teeth, the use of rinses and the application of preparations in the form of applications.

Rusakova E. Yu., Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Far East Federal University, Chief Dentist of the Far Eastern Federal District ^[3]

Rinsing as one of the methods of treatment and prevention

Brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste can effectively remove plaque along with colonies of microorganisms – that is, eliminate the main cause of gingivitis. However, this measure cannot be called sufficient: only three of the five surfaces of the teeth can be cleaned in this way, and plaque continues to accumulate on the rest without hindrance ^[3] . Mouthwash comes to the rescue. Thanks to its liquid form, it is able to penetrate into the most inaccessible areas, washing out plaque and microorganisms. The composition of rinses necessarily contains antimicrobial substances that destroy harmful bacteria. The best products also contain components that inhibit the active growth of microflora for several hours.

There is another added benefit to using rinse aid. Since it is the bacteria that cause bad breath, killing them can help you get rid of the problem.

Rinsing agents are recommended to be used twice a day after brushing your teeth. The volume of the drug indicated by the manufacturer is taken into the mouth, rinsed vigorously for 30 seconds, and then spit out. You can’t swallow liquid.

Which mouthwash to choose for gingivitis

The rinses recommended for gingivitis contain anti-inflammatory and wound-healing components – it is best if they are extracts of medicinal plants. Vegetable extracts gently relieve swelling, eliminate bleeding gums.

For example, Colgate® Plax Forte Oak & Fir Rinse uses the beneficial properties of two trees. Oak bark fights inflammatory processes, and fir has antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and wound healing properties. Another combination of extracts is offered by Colgate® Plax Medicinal Herbal Rinse. All four components of the collection (chamomile, sage, myrrh and eucalyptus) have an anti-inflammatory effect, and each of them has its own additional effect: chamomile is healing, sage is antiseptic, myrrh is hemostatic, and eucalyptus strengthens the gums.

And like all Colgate® rinses, both products kill up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria, inhibit plaque formation and eliminate bad breath.

Rinse helps not only to cure gingivitis, but also to prevent its occurrence. Good oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent this problem. If you brush your teeth and use mouthwash twice a day, you will significantly reduce the risk of gum disease, as well as cavities and other dental diseases.

List of sources:

1. Clinical guidelines (treatment protocols) for the diagnosis of gingivitis. Approved by Resolution No. 15 of the Council of the Association of Public Associations “Dental Association of Russia” dated September 30, 2014 // URL: https://minzdrav.gov-murman.ru/documents/poryadki-okazaniya-meditsinskoy-pomoshchi/5_gingivit.pdf (date of access : 12/10/2020).

2. Goncharik AV Periodontal diseases. Gomel: State Institution “RSPC RMiEC”, 2018. // URL: https://www.rcrm.by/download/posob_doctor/2018-8.