If you have recently visited a dental professional, they may have told you that you have gum disease. You may now be wondering if there is actually a best toothpaste for your gums?
In this post I explain the various options available to you, and what you should do when brushing your teeth.
This list of toothpastes below is specifically targeted at people with gum disease – including both gingivitis or periodontal disease. I also explain how different toothpastes can help your gum disease.
If you are unsure about whether or not you have gum disease, get yourself booked in with a dental professional for a check up.
Do you need a specialist toothpaste for gum disease, or can you use a regular one?
If you have gum disease, the most important thing is how you clean your teeth. The physical action of cleaning to remove the bacteria is more important than what toothpaste you use.
With good brushing and interdental cleaning technique, with a regular toothpaste, you should be able to get on top of early gum disease.
That said, you may want to use a specific toothpaste for gum disease if:
- You want help seeing where the plaque is – you could try a toothpaste with disclosing in it.
- You want additional help from specific antibacterial chemicals.
- Your gums are so sore that regular toothpaste hurts – you may want a more gentle toothpaste.
The toothpaste acts as a chemical plaque control in addition to the mechanical plaque control. In fact, having the right toothpaste can actually improve your gum disease as it has been shown:
- Toothpastes with antimicrobials improve gum disease more than just mechanical cleaning alone (as explained by Teles & Teles).
- Toothpaste spread onto the soft tissues in the mouth, which are not normally physically cleaned (and therefore bacteria can linger here). The chemicals can reduce the bacteria load on areas like the tongue and cheeks which would not otherwise be cleaned.
5 good toothpaste options for gum disease
In the list below I’ve included 5 good toothpastes that are worth considering if you have gum disease.
They do offer slightly different things, so read over the pros and cons of each to find out which is best suited to your situation.
If you have any doubts, do check with your dentist on your next visit.
Oral-B Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste
Best overall toothpaste for gum disease
Best whitening toothpaste for gum disease
- Key ingredient: stannous fluoride
- Why it’s good for gum disease: kills bacteria in plaque and is anti-inflammatory
Oral B has two different offerings to help manage gum disease: the Gum Detoxify range and the Gum Care & Enamel Restore range. I have picked the latter as my recommendation, on the basis that there is a good whitening option available. Oral B Gum Care and Enamel restore is one of the few toothpastes with an active ingredient for gum disease, as well as having ingredients to help reduce staining.
The active ingredients for managing gum disease here are stannous fluoride and zinc citrate, and you can find out in more detail below about exactly how they work. But essentially, the toothpaste helps to reduce the amount of gum-disease causing bacteria.
The stannous fluoride also helps manage sensitivity, so this toothpaste is a good toothpaste if you have gum disease and sensitivity too.
And just because you have gum disease, it doesn’t mean that you need to put up with stains on your teeth. Whitening toothpastes won’t lighten the overall colour of your teeth, as explained here, but will help remove dark coloured stains from the surface.
Pros
- Sodium hexametaphosphate helps to reduce staining
- Stannous fluoride protects against cavIties
- Stannous fluoride will also help reduce sensitivity
- Zinc citrate prevents calculus build up
- Widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies
- Affordable
Cons
- No information on animal testing
- Use of single use plastics
Where to buy
Price comparison
- 100g tube
- Approx. $5 / tube
- $
ChloroFluor Gel
Best toothpaste for sore gums
- Key ingredient: chlorhexidine
- Why it’s good for gum disease: antimicrobial
This is the only toothpaste like product (it is actually a gel) that is available with chlorhexidine in it. It is so effective as an active ingredient, it is actually registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
This gel will be good at helping manage flare ups of gum disease, especially if you are suffering from sore gums or ulcers.
Because of the chlorhexidine, and its links to staining and potentially changes in taste too, I would recommend only using this for a couple of weeks, until your symptoms resolve, before returning to a regular toothpaste.
Pros
- TGA approved
- Contains fluoride for protection against cavities
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Can cause staining of teeth
- Only available from your dentist or some pharmacies
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 30ml bottle
- $12 – $15 per bottle
- $$
Piksters Plaq Go Disclosing Toothpaste
Best disclosing toothpaste for gum disease
- Key ingredient: disclosing solution
- Why it’s good for gum disease: help identify plaque to make it easier to remove and improve oral hygiene
The advantage of this toothpaste is that it stains plaque, the cause of gum disease, to help you brush better at home.
This comes as a toothpaste with a torch. The paste contains an ingredient which stains plaque, which will only be visible when shining the torch supplied on the teeth.
At first glance, I would say that this is more expensive than conventional plaque disclosing tablets, but because this isn’t the conventional dye, you won’t get the problems with clothes and lips staining.
Pros
- Discloses plaque, the cause of gum disease
- Doesn’t stain mouth and clothes
- Contains fluoride for protection against cavities
- Available in mild mint or tropical flavour
Cons
- Relatively low fluoride content (1000ppm)
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 25g tube
- Approx. $10 / tube
- $$
OraltidePRO™ Intensive Repair Gel
Best fluoride free toothpaste for gum disease
- Key ingredient: Sodium Bicarbonate and Peptides
- Why it’s good for gum disease: Preventing gum disease, helping gums regenerate
This toothpaste has been developed in Japan. I have listed it as one of the top 5, not for use as a daily toothpaste, but because it is a highly specialist regenerative gel. It is designed to be used just weekly.
Its benefits for the gums come from the peptides in the formula. The peptides also promote healing and reduce swelling in the gums, reversing gum disease. They also help the body to regenerate tissue, in theory helping to re-grow the gum. This is also useful for treating any ulcers or sore spots in your mouth.
The effect on the gums isn’t instant though, and they advise that to see “growth of gums” you will need to use the gel at least 6 times.
Also be aware that even if scientific literature does point towards “gum regrowth” this may be in such small amounts that you can’t visibly notice it day to day.
Whilst this gel is expensive, it is not used daily it and so it should last a while. It could be something that is useful to you in addition to good oral hygiene practices.
Pros
- Uses new technology to encourage regeneration of tissue
- Contains casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to help teeth enamel to remineralise
- Sodium bicarbonate contributes to gum health and stain removal
- Contains two peptides
- Comes with tray system and should only be used once per week
- Suitable for vegetarians
Cons
- Will still need a daily toothpaste on top of using this gel
- No fluoride
- Only available in selected online outlets
- Expensive
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 50g tube
- Approx. $90 / tube
- $$$
Grants of Australia Propolis Toothpaste
Best natural toothpaste for gum disease
- Key ingredient: Propolis
- Why it’s good for gum disease: antibacterial and antiseptic qualities
Grant’s of Australia have produced this toothpaste with propolis, produced by bees, which they claim is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and there is certainly some evidence to support the use of it in preventing gum disease.
This toothpaste will be useful if you are looking for a natural remedy to help control gum disease at home.
Because this doesn’t contain any fluoride, I would recommend you also use a fluoride containing toothpaste or mouthwash at a separate time of day, or that you have fluoride supplements, in order to protect against cavities.
Pros
- Australian brand, made in Australia
- Naturally derived ingredients
- No genetically modified ingredients
- No animal testing
- SLS free
Cons
- No fluoride for protection against cavities
- Contains animal derived products (propolis)
Where to buy
Price comparison
- 110g tube
- Approx. $4.20 / tube
- $
How to clean your teeth if you have gum disease
Signs of gingivitis (early gum disease) include bleeding gums, and you may have noticed this before you even went to see a dental professional. Gingivitis is caused by bacteria not cleaned away thoroughly.
Left untreated, early gum disease will progress into periodontal disease, where bone is lost around the teeth and they may start to become loose.
The single most important thing you can do to reverse early gum disease, and to slow down progression of periodontal disease, is thorough cleaning. That includes:
- Brushing at least twice daily, for two minutes, using an electric toothbrush.
- Using interdental cleaning aids daily – interdental brushes, floss, and water flosses are all options available.
- Supplementary mouthwashes with active ingredients to minimise bacteria in the mouth.
- Professional cleaning to help remove calculus (tartar) to make cleaning easier at home.
A good cleaning technique, on a daily basis, wil help lessen the amount of gum disease causing bacteria in the mouth. And most of this benefit comes from the physical action of brushing and/or flossing etc.
Are there toothpastes that strengthen gums?
The short answer is yes! There are definitely some toothpastes that will help your gums.
It is worth noting that the key to getting rid of gum disease, especially in the early stages, is good cleaning techniques at home.
And the main role of toothpaste is prevention of cavities due to the fluoride in it.
But some toothpastes contain specific ingredients to help with gum disease.
Ingredients added to toothpaste can help managing gum disease in the following ways:
- Disclosing agents that dye plaque. This makes plaque easier to see and therefore easier to remove. Traditionally this is done using separate disclosing tablets, but now this can also be found in some toothpastes. As managing plaque to reduce bacteria is one of the key aspects of managing disease, it can be helpful to have this included in a toothpaste.
- Antibacterial agents that help to kill bacteria, preventing plaque formation and thus reducing the total number of bacteria in the mouth. This includes
- chlorhexidine.
- triclosan.
- peptides.
- Sodium bicarbonate.
- Use of herbal ingredients including essential oils (although evidence mostly looks at these in mouthwash form)
- Regeneration of the gums and decreasing swelling. Hyaluronic acid is a newer ingredient, beneficial because of its anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it can reduce the swelling in the gums caused by your body’s reaction to the gum-disease causing bacteria. HA is also antibacterial in itself, helping to reduce the number of bacteria in the gums.
- Prevention of calculus (tartar) formation.
- Zinc
Best gentle toothpaste for sore gums
If you have sore gums, you may find that some toothpastes cause a burning sensation, or even ulcers. If that is the case, you may want to try an unflavoured or SLS-free toothpaste from the list above.
You may also want a toothpaste for receding gums, which may be sore. Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity, so you may be interested in combining a toothpaste for gingivitis and sensitivity, or having a look at our best sensitivity toothpastes.
If you can clean thoroughly with your toothbrush, interdental cleaners, and one of these toothpastes, you should notice a difference in any bleeding or soreness in as little as a week!
About the ingredients found in toothpastes for gingivitis
In the sections below I have included some information about the ingredients that are sometimes included with toothpastes for gum disease.
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial, meaning that it kills bacteria and fungi in the mouth. The benefit of chlorhexidine is that it is able to stick to the mouth surface and so have a prolonged effect.
Its ability to prevent plaque formation after toothbrushing is magnified when it is combined with fluoride, which can be found in toothpastes.
In the U.S.A there aren’t any toothpastes available in the stores with chlorhexidine in, but you can use a mouthwash instead, or get something on a prescription.
Lacalut Aktiv toothpaste, available on Amazon, is the only toothpaste currently available (at the time of writing) on Amazon.co.uk to contain this active ingredient.
Herbal ingredients
There are many studies into the use of herbal ingredients, which have been used for centuries in some cultures. That said, the scientific evidence is limited as to whether these are more effective than other ingredients that could be added.
It does appear that the inclusion of natural herbal ingredients is more effective in managing gum disease than a toothpaste that contains no specific ingredient (e.g. chlorhexidine, triclosan, stannous fluoride etc). In particular, herbal toothpastes seem to help in reducing plaque in the first few weeks of use, after which the effect is not as great.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan as it is also called, occurs naturally in the body, and is found in many different tissues. You may have seen it in many different cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, from lip fillers to treatment of osteoarthritis.
Evidence has shown hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, and anti-bacterial. Experiments on HA toothpastes show reduction in bleeding gums. In fact, analysis of the data confirms “0.2% Hyaluronan containing gel has a beneficial effect in the treatment of plaque induced gingivitis”.
Peptides
Peptides can include two different types of ingredients:
- enzymes and proteins normally found in saliva, and which naturally reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Adding peptides to toothpaste causes a reaction which ultimately kills bacteria found in saliva and plaque.
- Peptides which help stimulate the body’s natural regeneration mechanisms to aid “regrowth” of the gums.
Examples of enzymes found in toothpastes include: amyloglucosidase, glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase.
Examples of proteins found in the toothpastes include: lysozyme, lactoferrin and colostrum.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, can be added to toothpaste and has been shown to have antimicrobial effects at high doses.
Stannous Fluoride
Stannous fluoride has an anticavity effect because of the fluoride element. But, unlike other forms of fluoride in toothpaste, it can also have a significant positive effect on the gums. Studies have shown that the stannous fluoride:
- Kills bacteria in plaque. Therefore prevents build up of plaque and irritation and bleeding gums caused by plaque.
- Is anti-inflammatory, reducing irritation to gums from plaque.
Triclosan/copolymer
Addition of triclosan to a fluoride toothpaste causes reduction in plaque and gum disease. Unfortunately, due to potential safety concerns, there are currently no toothpastes with triclosan available on the US market.
Zinc complexes
Zinc is able to prevent plaque hardening into calculus. By preventing calculus build up, gums are easier to clean. Overall this means less bacteria buildup and therefore the gums are less likely to be affected by bacteria induced gingivitis.
On top of this, zinc itself is antibacterial so can also kill the bacteria leading to gum disease.
Zinc can be found in toothpastes as:
- Zinc + arginine – e.g. Colgate Total SF.
- Zinc gluconate – e.g. TheraBreath PerioTherapy.
- Zinc PCA – e.g. BioRepair toothpastes.
FAQ
Is it possible to use a whitening toothpaste if you have gingivitis / which one is best?
Yes, it is possible to use a whitening toothpaste if you have gum disease.
Whitening toothpastes remove stains from the teeth, and are often more abrasive than a regular toothpaste. It doesn’t actually whiten the overall colour of the teeth.
But I should point out that this additional abrasiveness may cause further irritation to gums which are already sore and so you may want to avoid them.
Is there a difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is early gum disease and affects only the gums. You would notice it as swollen and/or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is more advanced gum disease with loss of bone around the tooth and often there is also receding gums.
What sort of toothpastes should I use with early gum disease (mild gingivitis)?
A basic toothpaste containing stannous fluoride, sodium bicarbonate, or herbal ingredients can help alleviate the swelling and bleeding associated with early gum disease. The most important thing is how you clean though, so make sure you have the best techniques by following this advice.
What sort of toothpastes should I use with advanced gum disease (periodontitis)?
More advanced gum disease, which isn’t improving despite good cleaning efforts, may require extra ingredients to help the gums heal. You may want to try a toothpaste containing hyaluronic acid or peptides to help the gums heal.
What is the best toothpaste for receding gums?
Receding gums can lead to soreness in the gums and sensitivity from the tooth.
If the gums are sore when brushing try a gentle toothpaste (like those listed above), or perhaps try a non-mint toothpaste or SLS free toothpaste. Mouthwashes may also help if your gums are too sore to brush.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity because of receding gums, try a specific sensitivity toothpaste.
What is the best toothpaste for bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. The best toothpaste would be one designed for gingivitis, containing stannous fluoride, sodium bicarbonate or herbal ingredients.
Does stannous fluoride cause staining?
In some formulations, stannous fluoride can cause staining. In the correct formulation the staining effect is much less, if at all.
Other toothpastes for gum disease
In case none of the products from our lists above appeal to you, here are some additional gum disease toothpastes to consider.
When picking a toothpaste, I recommend considering the general advice on choosing a toothpaste from our toothpaste hub page.
| Name | Anti-cavity Protection | Why it helps | Cost | Also good for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Healthy Mouth® Tartar Control Toothpaste – Tea Tree & Cinnamon | nil | Herbal | $$ | Natural Non-mint available SLS Free |
| OraltidePRO™Intensive Repair Gel | Calcium phosphates | Peptides | $$$ | Sensitivity |
| Colgate Total Original | fluoride | Zinc | $ | |
| Colgate Total Pro Clean toothpaste | fluoride | Zinc | $ | Sensitivity |
| Colgate Total Gum Health Antibacterial Fluoride Toothpaste | fluoride | Zinc | $ | |
| Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste | none | zinc | $$ | Natural Whitening |
| TheraBreath PerioTherapy toothpaste | fluoride | tetrasodium pyrophosphate Zinc | $$ | Bad Breath |
| Green People Organic Fennel and Propolis Toothpaste | none | herbal | $$ | Natural Non-Mint Sensitivity SLS free |
| Green People Citrus and Aloe Vera Organic Toothpaste | none | herbal | $$ | Non-Mint Organic Sensitivity SLS free Vegan |
| Green People Peppermint and Aloe Vera Organic Toothpaste | none | herbal | $$ | Organic Sensitivity SLS free Vegan |
| Biomed Propoline Natural Toothpaste | HAP | herbal | $$ | Natural Non-Mint SLS free Organic |
| Piksters Plaque Glo Toothpaste | fluoride | Disclosing | $$$ | Non mint available |
| Oral B Gum Care and Enamel Restore | Fluoride | Stannous fluoride Zinc complexes | $ | Sensitivity Whitening option available |
| Oral B Gum Detoxify | Fluoride | Stannous fluoride Zinc complexes | $$ | Whitening option available |
| Grants of Australia Propolis Toothpaste | nil | herbal | $ | Natural SLS free |
| ChloroFluor | fluoride | chlorhexidine | $$$ | |
| NFCo. Propolis & Myrrh Toothpaste | nil | Herbal | $$ | Natural Organic SLS free Vegan |
| Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum | fluoride | Stannous fluoride | $$ | Sensitivity Whitening available |
| Hylodent Gum Serum | none | Hyaluronic Acid | $$$ | Organic Vegan |
| Hylodent Toothpaste | none | Hyaluronic Acid | $$$ | Organic SLS free Vegan |
