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If you suffer from gum disease, finding the right toothpaste is essential for maintaining and improving your oral health.
Gum disease is a common dental condition caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque buildup on your teeth. In the early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, which typically presents with swollen and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to irreversible damage to the gums and bones that support your teeth.
With so many kinds of toothpaste on the market making lots of oral health promises, we want to share the best toothpastes with proven benefits in fighting gum disease, so you can confidently choose the best one for your oral hygiene routine.
Get ready to say goodbye to gum disease and hello to a healthy smile!
Choosing the Right Toothpaste to Combat Gum Disease
When it comes to effectively fighting gum disease, it’s best to use prescription toothpaste. Prescription toothpaste for gum disease usually contains several key ingredients including:
Antimicrobial agents
Look for toothpaste that contains antimicrobial agents such as triclosan and chlorhexidine or essential oils like tea tree oil. These ingredients help to control the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Fluoride
Fluoride is essential for strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay. It also helps to remineralise teeth that have been affected by gum disease.
Tartar control agents
Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on teeth and can contribute to gum disease. Toothpaste with tartar control agents like pyrophosphate or zinc citrate can help to reduce the build-up of tartar.
Desensitising agents
If you experience gum sensitivity, look for a toothpaste that contains desensitising agents like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These ingredients can help to reduce the sensitivity and discomfort associated with gum disease.
Natural ingredients
Some toothpaste brands offer natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, or Echinacea, which may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight gum disease or manage uncomfortable symptoms.
The Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease: Our Recommendations
Colgate Duraphat 5000 (Top Pick)
Colgate Duraphat 5000ppm fluoride toothpaste has four times the amount of fluoride compared to regular toothpaste. It’s only available with a prescription for people who are 16+. It helps to prevent plaque, reduce the acid that causes tooth decay, and reverse enamel demineralisation. Colgate Duraphat 5000 is recommended for people with tooth decay, exposed root surfaces, and those who eat a lot of sugar or experience dry mouth.
Colgate Duraphat 2800
Colgate Duraphat 2800ppm fluoride toothpaste has double the amount of fluoride compared to regular toothpaste. Like Duraphat 5000, Duraphat 2800 is only available on prescription for those over 16 years old. It helps to prevent plaque, reduce the acid that causes tooth decay, and repair damaged enamel during the early stages of erosion. Colgate Duraphat 2800 is recommended for those suffering with tooth decay, exposed root surfaces on their gums, on high-sugar diets or experiencing dry mouth.
Morningside Fluoride 5000
Morningside Fluoride 5000ppm is a high-fluoride toothpaste available on prescription for adults and teenagers over 16 years old. It’s used to prevent cavities and tooth decay, especially if you smoke, drink, or eat lots of sugary snacks. For best results, you should use it three times per day, after each meal.
Morningside Fluoride 2800
Morningside Fluoride 2800ppm has more fluoride than regular toothpaste and is only available with a prescription from a licensed UK pharmacist. Morningside Fluoride 2800 toothpaste is for adults and teenagers who are 16 years old+. It’s used to prevent tooth decay, especially if you smoke, drink, or eat lots of sugary snacks. It can also reduce the chance of getting cavities by up to 76%.
Essential Oral Hygiene Tips to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
As gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, it’s important to work on your oral hygiene alongside using a high-fluoride toothpaste to prevent gum disease from worsening or returning.
Follow these tips for a happy, healthy smile:
- Brush your teeth twice daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss between your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to detect and address oral health issues.
- Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar to promote healthy gums.
- Quit smoking or vaping to reduce your risk factors for gum disease.
If you’re still unsure about the best toothpaste to help you fight gum disease, a free consultation with our prescribers will help you find the fluoride toothpaste prescription for your needs.
