What Is The Best Mouthwash For Gum Disease?

Mouthwash can be an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but not all mouthwashes are created for the same purpose. Choosing the right mouthwash will make all the difference when it comes to preventing gum disease and tooth decay as well as avoiding bad breath and other oral health problems.

At Oldbury Smile Spa, we can provide you with dental tips and care to keep your teeth in the best condition possible. Many commercial types of mouthwashes promise to keep your gums healthy, but there’s more to it than that! Below, you’ll find all the information you need about mouthwash and gum disease, so keep on reading!

How Do Mouthwashes Work?

Mouthwashes all have some things in common. They’re all designed to prevent the build-up of plaque, and they usually have a strong-tasting, strong-smelling mint flavour that’s designed to make your breath smell fresh. As with toothpaste, the key ingredient is fluoride. It will prevent acid erosion of the teeth, caused by the reaction of sugars. They can also repair or strengthen any enamel loss from gum recession.

Additionally, some mouthwashes contain antibacterial or antiseptic agents, such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) which can loosen debris between the teeth and freshen breath.

Signs You Have Receding Gums

Gum disease is characterised by the following symptoms:

Bleeding gums
Swollen or tender gums
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Receding gums

The Best Mouthwash For Gum Disease:

1. Listerine Total Care Antiseptic Mouthwash

Listerine mouthwash is an antibacterial mouthwash with fluoride that helps to prevent cavities and kills bacteria. Not only is the alcohol-free formula gentle enough for daily use, but it can also help to decrease plaque and gingivitis. The mouthwash is sweet, safe for people with sensitive teeth, and effective at killing bacteria. But some people may find the taste to be too intense.

Other benefits include:

Gentle enough to be used daily
Fluoride to help prevent cavities
It kills bacteria and freshens breath
It can prevent gingivitis, it can also be a natural way to reduce plaque buildup.

2. Corsodyl Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Corsodyl is probably the best-known antiseptic mouthwash in the UK. It is widely advertised as an effective treatment for gum disease (gingivitis). The mouthwash kills plaque bacteria fast and adheres to teeth and gums to prevent plaque build-up – even after the mouthwash has been rinsed out. However, it causes taste disturbances and stains teeth, which is why people stay away from using it. In addition, you may find that your gums become irritated from the moisturising ingredient (though this is uncommon).

Other benefits include:

It is an effective antibacterial mouthwash that deals with gingivitis, preventing it from developing into a more serious form of gum disease
Low pricing
Alcohol-free
Heals inflamed gums and lessens tooth sensitivity in most users

Use a periodontal mouthwash before gum disease develops. The best type of treatment is proactive, preventative treatment.

What To Consider When Choosing A Mouthwash for Gum Disease

The best mouthwash for periodontal disease should take the following into account:

Natural substances – Natural mouthwashes are gentler on gum tissue and less likely to irritate it. Look for ones containing essential oils such as mint, clove, or eucalyptus.

Anti-inflammatory Properties – The best way to reduce the pain of gum disease is by using mouthwashes with soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or green tea.

Antibacterial properties – Antibacterial mouthwashes can help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease. Look for a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil.

Essential oil ingredients – Oils made from aromatic plants are potent agents for battling gum disease. Some of the best oils to use against gum disease are peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oil. Mouthwash protects teeth and gums, reduces inflammation, and destroys bacteria.

Take your budget into account – One thing is clear: in the case of mouthwashes, a lower price doesn’t have to equate to a lower quality. There are plenty of practical and budget-friendly options out there.

Non-Alcohol Or Alcohol Mouthwash?

Alcohol can be found in many types of mouthwash in small quantities; it is used as a carrier for its active ingredients.

Alcohol mouthwash

Alcohol increases the ethanol in your breath, but this dissipates within about ten minutes. However, alcohol dries out your mouth, causing it to release the potent sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath. A few studies have suggested that alcohol-based mouthwashes might contribute to the development of oral cancers, so if you have an aversion to alcohol or are concerned about oral health, you may prefer a non-alcoholic mouthwash.

Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Various alcohol-free types of mouthwash can prevent dental diseases and freshen your breath, but mouthwash should never replace brushing and flossing. Contrary to popular belief, mouthwashes should complement a regular dental care routine, rather than replace it. Your dental professional can recommend mouthwashes which are most suitable for you to use to improve your oral health.

However, with gum disease, opt for alcohol-free mouthwash as the effects of alcohol can be drying and irritating, making gum disease worse. Alcohol tends to strip your mouth of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.

The best mouthwash for receding gums only works when combined with professional treatment from our dentist, so schedule an appointment with our dentist today!