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How Do I Choose the Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease?

Kristeen Moore
Kristeen Moore

Toothpaste is an essential part of oral hygiene, and is an important method to help to prevent gum disease. There are a variety of toothpastes available at your local drugstore, and you might be able to use a basic fluoride version if you have no preexisting oral conditions. Gingivitis might benefit from a type of toothpaste that also includes the ingredient triclosan. Some consumers prefer toothpaste for gum disease that only contains natural ingredients, but these might not be helpful in treating preexisting gingivitis. If gum problems persist after switching toothpastes, then you should consider seeing an oral specialist.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, occurs when there is an abundance of bacteria and subsequent plaque present around your teeth. Untreated cases can eventually lead to tooth loss, so it is important to exercise daily preventive measures that include toothpaste for gum disease. If you have no preexisting gum problems, your dentist might recommend a basic version that contains fluoride. This ingredient is thought to help to directly inhibit the growth of bacteria and to prevent tooth decay.

Dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.
Dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.

A more specialized form of toothpaste for gum disease is often required for patients who already have mild cases of gingivitis. One common ingredient in these toothpastes is triclosan, which works to clear up bacteria at the gum line. Many of these products also contain fluoride, as well as baking soda, which can help to penetrate the gums more effectively.

Baking soda in toothpaste can penetrate into the gums.
Baking soda in toothpaste can penetrate into the gums.

Another option besides conventional toothpastes for gum problems are those that are made from natural ingredients. These types of products are sold in health stores and online, and they do not contain any chemicals or fluoride. Many people prefer these brands because they are made from herbs. You will want to check with a dentist before using a natural product for gingivitis in order to ensure its efficacy against gum disease.

Women should pay particularly close attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.
Women should pay particularly close attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.

As easy as it might seem to prevent gum disease, it is often difficult to treat it once the condition has reached a certain stage. Although a particular toothpaste for gum disease might help to alleviate oral problems, this solution might not work for all individuals. If you experience persistent bleeding from the gums accompanied with pain when brushing, then you should consider going back to your dentist — you might be referred to a specialist at this point. It is also important to keep in mind that daily flossing and regular dental checkups can help to prevent the initial onset of gingivitis.

Discussion Comments

josarah29

I was introduced to this product during my visit to Singapore. It's a mixture of organic oil Made of clove oil, almond, spearmint oil, peppermint oil. Interestingly, it is in liquid form, and just two drops replaces toothpaste. it is called Oral Botanica. It has no fluoride. Recently I went to see my dentist, and he said my gums had improved a lot.

SarahGen

There are specially formulated toothpastes and mouthwashes for gum disease. A dentist can prescribe it or sometimes it is available over the counter. These work the best, nothing else works as well for treating and preventing recurring gum disease in my experience.

stoneMason

@turquoise-- Yea, natural toothpaste is good for preventing gum disease. I have been using it without any problems.

You can also make your own toothpaste at home. All you need is baking soda. You can add some other ingredients as you like and there are many recipes out there.

turquoise

I want to maintain my oral health and prevent gum disease. For years, I used regular store brand toothpastes without problems. But recently, I've developed a sensitivity to them, I think it's a sensitivity to fluoride.

Whenever I brush my teeth with fluoride toothpaste, my teeth start to hurt badly. I have no idea why!

I'm thinking about switching over to fluoride-free natural toothpaste. Will natural toothpaste prevent gum disease as well as fluoride toothpaste?

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    • Dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.
      By: Trish23
      Dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.
    • Baking soda in toothpaste can penetrate into the gums.
      By: Franny-Anne
      Baking soda in toothpaste can penetrate into the gums.
    • Women should pay particularly close attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.
      By: hartphotography
      Women should pay particularly close attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.
    • Fluoridated toothpaste may be used to treat gum disease, as well as kill bacteria that causes bad breath.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Fluoridated toothpaste may be used to treat gum disease, as well as kill bacteria that causes bad breath.
    • Daily flossing and regular dental checkups can prevent gum disease.
      By: yanmingzhang
      Daily flossing and regular dental checkups can prevent gum disease.
    • Toothpaste is an essential part of oral hygiene.
      By: Winai Tepsuttinun
      Toothpaste is an essential part of oral hygiene.
    • Untreated gingivitis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Untreated gingivitis may cause the lymph nodes to swell.