With so many different mouthwash brands out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Are there certain ingredients you should look for in mouthwash, and others that are best to avoid? Should you choose your mouthwash based on the type of dental condition you’re aiming to treat or prevent?
Spoiler alert: Yes and yes! Not all mouthwashes use the same ingredients or hold the same benefits. There are a few factors that you should consider when choosing the right mouthwash for you.
To determine the best mouthwash for you, let’s first define your oral hygiene goals. Are you aiming to strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities? Are you at risk of developing gum disease? Do you currently have gingivitis and you’re looking for a powerful mouthwash to supplement your oral hygiene routine?
Let’s say your goal is to strengthen your teeth and prevent periodontal disease—which is something everyone should aim for. Here are three great periodontal mouthwash options and why they’re so effective!
Top 3 Best Mouthwash for Periodontal Disease
When looking for a periodontal mouthwash or a mouth rinse for gingivitis, it’s a good idea to avoid mouthwash formulas that include alcohol.
Have you experienced that near unbearable burning sensation when gargling a certain mouthwash? That’s likely the alcohol! Alcohol is extremely dry/dehydrating and rather harsh on the skin and gums. It’s infamous for aggravating many oral conditions.
If you have gingivitis, sensitive teeth or gums, using a mouthwash with alcohol could worsen your symptoms and make the healing process more unpleasant than it needs to be.
So now that we know to avoid alcohol in our mouthwash, what is the best mouthwash for periodontitis (periodontal disease)?
1. TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
First on our list is TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, specially-formulated to help treat periodontal disease.
This mouthwash fights gingivitis for 24 hours after using and can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and gum disease symptoms.
Dentist and bacteriologist Dr. Harold Katz created TheraBreath specifically for patients who suffer from gum health issues. It’s formulated with ingredients demonstrated to support and maintain healthy gums and has shown to eliminate germs associated with gum disease.
“The proprietary blend of antibacterial agents goes to work quickly to help keep your gums looking and feeling their best.”
The active ingredient in this periodontal mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride, an antigingivitis and antiplaque agent.
Studies in the International Journal of Oral Science note that CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) may decrease plaque’s ability to mature, and it can help prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
2. Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash
If you’re in the early stages of gum disease and seeking a mouth rinse for gingivitis, or a mouthwash to prevent gingivitis, Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash is a great option too!
This mouthwash is clinically proven to target bacteria at the gum line, reduce gum swelling and redness, and help protect against plaque that contributes to gingivitis. Crest Pro-Health periodontal mouthwash is also alcohol-free, helps to purify bad breath, and includes cetylpyridinium chloride as its active ingredient.
3. Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse, 1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide
Colgate antiseptic mouthwash has a number of benefits! It’s alcohol-free, destroys bacteria, and helps soothe gum inflammation. The active ingredient in Crest Peroxyl mouthwash is hydrogen peroxide, clinically-proven to kill disease-causing bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent preemptive measure against periodontal disease, as it can help to reverse gingivitis and prevent gum disease from progressing.
“Dental professionals have been using hydrogen peroxide since the early 1900s to prevent and treat periodontitis” (Colgate).
Don’t wait until you develop gum disease to start using a periodontal mouthwash, the best type of treatment is proactive, preventative treatment.
At the Periodontal Health Center, we do everything we can to help our patients keep their beautiful natural teeth and optimize gum health for a lifetime. It’s important that you take the necessary measures to prevent gum disease, instead of waiting until it’s developed to begin treatment.
Using a high-quality, safe mouthwash will not only protect and strengthen your gums, but help prevent cavities too. It’s a small daily commitment that makes a huge impact!
Be sure to read the instructions on the mouthwash you choose, and use it as instructed.
Still have questions about periodontal mouthwash?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We love to hear from you and we want to provide you with the information you need to maintain a beautiful smile.
If you’re looking for a top periodontist in Tampa or New Port Richey, we’d love to meet you! Request an appointment today.
