Your oral care kit is incomplete without the best mouthwash to prevent and control gingivitis. What’s gingivitis? You may ask. It is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria or plaque build-up, sometimes as a result of delayed scale and polish at the dentist. Dr. Farayi Shakespeare Moyana, a dental public health expert in Zimbabwe, says, “Some people assume that they do not need any dental check up as long as they do not feel any obvious problem in the mouth and they brush their teeth twice a day. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Regular dental checkups should be a priority and should not be ignored.” Oral issues such as gingivitis are linked to heart diseases too. Therefore, using good mouthwash is essential. It helps eliminate odor, fight bacteria, and reduce inflammation of the gums. Mouthwashes that contain essential oils, chlorhexidine, and cetylpyridinium work like a charm to improve your oral health. So, take a look at the list of mouthwashes we’ve listed here so you can flaunt that million-dollar smile.
11 Best Mouthwashes For Gingivitis
1. Best Periodontist-Formulated: TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
The oral rinse may just be the soothing answer to your swollen gums, sensitive teeth, and bleeding gums. It’s known to be an effective and safe treatment to fight bacteria and common symptoms of gingivitis. This periodontist-formulated mouthwash contains FDA-approved cetylpyridinium chloride, which is clinically proven to kill germs linked to gingivitis and other periodontal problems, as well as xylitol, to neutralize the decay process. It’s also infused with oxygenating and zinc compounds to fight bad breath. This product is alcohol-free, which means no burning, irritation, or inflamed and sensitive gums. It comes in a pack of two 16 fluid-ounce bottles and takes good care of your teeth as it effectively protects them from plaque and tartar and bleeding gums. Check out this simple video to understand the product and how it works. Pros
Contains no artificial colors or flavors Kosher-certified Vegan-friendly and gluten-free Gentle, non-acidic formula No added saccharin Works for 24 hours
Cons
May not be strong enough for some Some may not like the taste
2. Best Vegan Formula: Colgate Zero Healthy Gums Natural Spearmint
If you are looking to prevent bleeding gums and kill bacteria and germs in your mouth without the burning that is usually associated with disinfectants, this is the ideal mouthwash for gingivitis for you. This vegan and gluten-free mouthwash kills 99% of plaque germs and keeps your gums healthy. It comes in a pack of 6 bottles, each containing 17.4 fluid ounces of mouthwash that save you from painful visits to the dentist. Pros
Free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes Alcohol- and sugar-free Contains natural spearmint Keeps breath fresh all day
Cons
Some may experience dryness Some might find the flavor strong
3. Best Natural: Hello Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis Mouthwash
Your smile will get a bit wider with this therapeutic mouthwash that prevents plaque and gingivitis, freshens your breath, and has an awesome taste. Its healthy formula contains aloe vera to protect your gums and coconut oil to moisturize them. It’s the winner of the Star Magazine 2018 A-List Beauty Award. It comes in a pack of three bottles which are made from 25% recycled material, each containing 473 ml of mouthwash to look after your gum health to ensure that you don’t wince every time you rinse your mouth. You can watch this video to understand how the product works before buying. Pros
Contains natural sweeteners Vegan-friendly Not tested on animals Free of artificial sweeteners and flavors Contains no dyes and sulfates Fluoride-free
Cons
Some may find it too sweet Might not feel fresh all day
4. Best Antimicrobial: SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated Oral Rinse
Show your mouth some love with this antimicrobial mouthwash for gingivitis, bad breath, and bleeding gums. Innovative zinc ion technology prevents the formation of sulfur gas and provides additional protection from gingivitis, plaque, and receding gums. This antigingivitis mouthwash gives you all the benefits without that burning sensation. It features a pleasant, minty taste and has no lingering aftertaste. This prescription strength mouthwash comes in a pack of two bottles containing 16 fluid ounces each and looks after your gum health very effectively. This video will help you understand whether this is the right product for your needs. Pros
Safe for diabetic patients Keeps mouth fresh for 24 hours Alcohol-free Dentist-recommended
Cons
Bottles may be difficult to use Some may not like the taste
5. Best Tartar-Control Formula: Listerine Ultraclean Antiseptic Mouthwash
Give your mouth a fresh burst of citrusy flavor with this powerful mouthwash for gingivitis. It fights the buildup of tartar and kills almost 100% of germs that cause bleeding and swollen gums, bad breath, and plaque buildup. This mouthwash has an added tartar-control ingredient that helps to keep your gums healthy, and it is recommended to rinse with this antiseptic mouthwash twice a day for 30 seconds for the best results. Its potent Everfresh technology leaves a fresh and clean feeling in your mouth that lasts for hours. Pros
Keeps breath fresh all day Environment-friendly packing Can be used twice a day Does not burn
Cons
Some may not like the flavor Quantity may not be enough
6. Best Alcohol-Free: Crest Pro-Health Clinical Oral Rinse
If you have been fretting over plaque buildup and gingivitis and don’t really know what to do about it, this mouthwash may be a real game-changer. With cetylpyridinium chloride as its active ingredient, this mouthwash offers almost 100% protection from swollen and bleeding gums as well as bad breath and ensures that you have healthy teeth. This anti-gingivitis mouthwash is clinically proven to not only reduce plaque but also prevent and reverse gingivitis within two weeks. Germs don’t stand a chance in your mouth with this mouthwash, and its minty smell leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean Pros
Alcohol-free Phthalate-free Prevents plaque regrowth Keeps mouth fresh all day Antimicrobial
Cons
Might lead to irritating gums for some Some may not like the flavor
7. Best Peppermint-Flavored: The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse
If you have any issues with your gums at all, this is just the rinse for you. This mouthwash for gingivitis is a unique blend of herbal extracts specially formulated by a dentist for those with gum issues like swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, and bad breath. It is a blend of natural, carefully sourced botanical, mineral, and herbal ingredients like 20% aloe vera, echinacea, calendula, cinnamon oil, and grapefruit seed extract to name a few. Pros
Promotes healthy gums Contains no artificial colors, SLS, or flavors Alcohol-free formula Refreshing peppermint flavor
Cons
Might leak May not be suitable for everyone
8. Best Gentle Formula: Prevention Mouth Rinse
Having bad breath or bleeding gums can be very upsetting. This mouthwash for gingivitis is bacteria selective, which means it keeps bad bacteria at bay while allowing the good bacteria to grow. It helps to ease discomfort caused by problems like ulcers and mucositis. It contains safe ingredients like glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and zinc, and is free of alcohol, artificial flavors, and harsh or dangerous chemicals. Its soothing mint flavor from natural menthol and peppermint oil will leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed for up to 12 hours. Pros
Controls plaque buildup Suitable for sensitivity Free of dyes and fluoride Safe to use by children above two years of age No-burn formula
Cons
Contains sulfate and saccharin Some may not like the flavor
9. Best Antiseptic: Mountain Falls Antiseptic Antigingivitis Mouth Rinse
Add that wow factor to your smile with this anti-gingivitis rinse that fights bad breath and promotes good oral hygiene with its powerful antiseptic formula. It effectively kills germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, swollen and receding gums, and bad breath. Its active ingredients like eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol work towards dental health. This mouthwash should be used morning and night for better oral hygiene, and the results will just amaze you. Pros
Sugar-free formula Refreshing mint flavor Cruelty-free Keeps breath fresh all day Non-burning formula
Cons
Some may not like the taste May not be alcohol-free
10. Best Fluoride-Free: Zane Hellas Mouthwash
The mouthwash is a blend of Greek oregano oil and mastic tree oil which work together to support oral health. It takes care of a lot of symptoms like sensitive gums, bad breath, gingivitis, and plaque, and improves your dental health. Carvacrol, which is the main compound in oregano oil, is extracted through steam distillation which retains its curative properties. It supports the normal flora of the oral cavity, promotes gum and enamel health, controls tartar, and offers relief from pain caused by swollen and bleeding gums. Pros
100% herbal mouthwash Alcohol- and fluoride-free Vegan formula Contains no artificial flavors or fragrances Easy-to-use dropper
Cons
Slightly burning formula Some may experience dryness
11. Best For Fighting Plaque: Listerine Freshburst Antiseptic Mouthwash
Protect your mouth from gingivitis, bad breath, and germs, and get fresh breath with this mouthwash for gum health. It kills 99.9% of germs that cause gingivitis, bad breath, and plaque, for a cleaner and fresher mouth. This mouthwash reaches every corner of your mouth, including between your teeth and along the gum line. It is one of the nationally branded mouthwashes to be awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance for fighting gingivitis and plaque. It has a spearmint flavor that leaves your mouth feeling tingly fresh. For best results, use this refreshing mouthwash for 30 seconds twice a day. Pros
Antiseptic and antimicrobial 24-hour protection from germs Promotes healthy gums Formulated with four essential oils
Cons
Some may find it too strong May not be a burn-free formula
How To Choose The Right Mouthwash For Gingivitis
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a mouthwash for Gingivitis. Alcohol-free mouthwashes target the germs responsible for gingivitis and plaque. They do not affect normal saliva production, which is crucial for oral health. It’s also gentler for those with sensitive teeth and gums, while eliminating gingivitis-causing bacteria. Such mouthwashes are also a good choice if you have children in the family and you want to buy one type of mouthwash for the whole family. 2. Condition-specific mouthwash: Depending on what your dental issue is, like whether you are prone to a dry mouth, sensitive teeth, or canker sores, you should get a mouthwash that specifically caters to it. Mouthwashes with fluoride strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. For gum diseases, go for one with anti-gingivitis, antiplaque, antimicrobial, or antibacterial ingredients. Chlorhexidine mouthwashes are the best for gingivitis as they are antibacterial, but they may not necessarily fight bad breath, and can also cause staining and alter the taste of the mouth. Some mouthwashes are more specific to whitening teeth and tackling bad breath. 3. Sensitivity of gums: Some may be sensitive to certain ingredients in a mouthwash if they have sensitive gums or if they are recovering from a dental procedure. If so, you should go for an alcohol-free or natural mouthwash with chamomile or aloe vera as they are soothing. 4. Read the label: Most mouthwashes have other chemicals to give it a minty or cool color, or to increase their shelf life. Make sure you read the label carefully so that you know exactly what you are putting into your mouth and don’t suffer an adverse reaction. Many also include water-soluble cleansing agents like sodium benzoate and sodium lauryl sulfate that are supposed to loosen the residue on your teeth, but are not considered safe. Artificial flavoring doesn’t contribute to the effectiveness of the mouthwash and may have adverse reactions. Preservatives like sodium benzoate or methylparaben prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouthwash but don’t contribute to its effectiveness and can be harmful for your body.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, Vibha Navarathna, our in-house writer and reviewer, has listed some of the best mouthwashes for gingivitis. She has specifically chosen those mouthwashes that are made of safe ingredients to improve your oral health. These products have been chosen after considering user reviews to offer you an unbiased opinion. Besides, Vibha has also included a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
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