Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease
Defending Against Gum Disease with the Right Toothpaste
If you’ve ever experienced swollen, tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, you’re not alone. Over 47% of adults aged 30 and up battle some form of gum disease. This common yet concerning condition can wreak havoc on your oral health if left unchecked. While proper brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings are crucial first steps, choosing the right toothpaste provides additional defense. Let’s explore what to look for when selecting a paste to help tackle and prevent gum disease.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, occurs when plaque and tartar buildup leads to inflammation of the gums. In the earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gums become red, swollen and prone to bleeding easily. This is caused by bacteria in plaque. If allowed to progress, gingivitis can advance into the more serious periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layers of gum actually pull away from teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria accumulate. Over time, this starts breaking down the bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place.
While gum disease has been linked to other inflammatory conditions like diabetes and heart disease, the biggest risk is permanent tooth loss. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene habits. Catching it early prevents it from progressing into the much harder to treat periodontitis.
Seeking Out Gum-Protecting Ingredients
When selecting a toothpaste to help prevent or control gum disease, look for certain key ingredients known to tackle plaque, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and promote healing:
Antimicrobials: These compounds directly attack the harmful bacteria causing gum disease. Antimicrobials like triclosan and cetyl pyridinium chloride reduce plaque buildup along the gumline. Natural options include grapefruit seed extract and essential oils like tea tree oil.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents: By reducing painful inflammation and swelling of gum tissue, ingredients like stannous fluoride, sodium hexametaphosphate and eugenol (clove extract) create an environment more resistant to bacterial attack.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and pycnogenol from French maritime pine bark may aid healing by neutralizing free radical damage and reducing oxidative stress.
Desensitizers: Many toothpastes for gum disease also contain compounds like potassium nitrate or arginine that help reduce painful sensitivity often accompanying inflamed gums.
Top Toothpaste Picks for Gum Health
With all the gum-friendly ingredients to look for, which toothpaste brands really deliver? Here are some top picks recommended by dental professionals:
Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean: This Crest paste packs a one-two punch against gum disease. Activated foam releases stannous fluoride to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and bind to plaque bacteria. It also contains cetyl pyridinium chloride to kill even more bacteria.
Parodontax: Available only by prescription in some countries, this paste is a go-to for fighting existing periodontitis. It combines stannous fluoride’s inflammation-fighting power with sodium bicarbonate to remove plaque. Natural salt and herbal extracts promote further healing.
Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening: For those preferring natural ingredients, this fluoride-free option shines. Zinc citrate attacks plaque bacteria while green tea and cranberry combat inflammation. It even contains whitening silicas.
TheraBreath Healthy Gums: True to its name, this therapeutic paste aims to detoxify and heal unhealthy gums. It utilizes the antioxidant might of CoEnzyme Q10 along with gingivitis-fighters like peppermint oil and ayurvedic neem.
Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Teeth Whitening: While not marketed solely for gum health, this Sensodyne variation is a great all-around pick. Potassium nitrate soothes sensitivity in diseased gums, while fluoride and pyrophosphates strengthen enamel.
The Bigger Picture
While using a gum disease-fighting toothpaste provides extra defense, it’s not a magic bullet solution. You must also maintain stellar oral hygiene through brushing at least twice daily, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet and strain also exacerbate gum disease.
Improved home care, smart toothpaste selection, professional cleanings and possibly prescription mouthwashes all work together in keeping gums healthy. If you’re already being treated for periodontitis, toothpastes with disease-fighting ingredients help control inflammation and prevent future occurrences between office visits.
Don’t neglect those tender gums any longer! With commitment to better habits plus the added boost of an effective therapeutic toothpaste, you can get gum disease under control. A lifetime of healthy, pain-free smiles is the ultimate reward.
