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Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease

Author

Michael Hansford

Published

July 15, 2025

As much as 50% of the world’s population will be impacted by gum disease in some way or another at some point, but the best toothpaste for gum disease helps you avoid becoming part of that statistic.

We’re here to help you take the first step with a thorough review of the best gum disease toothpaste brands on the market today:

LIVFRESH Plaque Removal Toothpaste
Parodontax Complete Protection Toothpaste
Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste
Sensodyne Complete Protection Sensitive Toothpaste
Oral-B Pro-Expert Clinic Line Gum Protection
Arm & Hammer Advance White
Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste
Crest Gum Pro-Health Advanced and Detoxify

You’ll also learn how to make the most of your toothpaste to improve gum health. But what is gum disease in the first place?

What is Gum Disease?

Cavities are pretty easy to spot and treat. Gum disease, though, often goes unnoticed until damage is already happening - so you need to be able to spot the early warning signs.

Gingivitis

Gum disease starts with gingivitis. This early stage is characterized by inflamed, irritated gums. The early warning signs are easy to ignore:

Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bad breath that lingers
A feeling of “fuzz” or film on the teeth even after brushing

You should get the best toothpaste for gingivitis if you notice these symptoms, before the issue escalates to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

This is when the infection spreads deeper, affecting bone and connective tissue. You might notice gum recession, loose teeth, or even shifting bite alignment as the condition progresses. It’s harder to reverse the damage at this stage and professional treatment will be necessary (and expensive!).

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease almost always starts with plaque - the soft bacterial film that settles along the gumline after every bite you eat. It hardens into tartar when it’s left to linger too long, and that can eventually lead to gum disease. Here are some more risk factors for periodontal disease:

Inconsistent brushing or rushed technique: Plaque builds in areas you don’t reach, especially along the gumline and between teeth.
Skipping flossing: Plaque wedged between teeth hardens fast and becomes a major source of gum irritation.

Infrequent dental cleanings: Tartar sits untouched for months, deepening pockets around teeth and making home care harder.

Smoking or vaping: These irritate oral tissues, dry out the mouth, and prevent the body from keeping gum irritation under control.
Dry mouth from medications or dehydration: Low saliva makes plaque accumulate faster and gives bacteria the conditions it needs to thrive.
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, puberty): These can make gums more reactive to even mild plaque buildup.
Medical conditions like diabetes: Higher blood sugar levels support bacterial growth and slow gum healing.
Dietary issues: You know that sugary junk food is bad for your teeth. But there’s reason to believe anyone at an unhealthy weight is at a heightened risk of periodontitis. Certain deficiencies, like Vitamin C, could play a role as well.

So, what should you look for in the best toothpaste for gum disease?

Key Ingredients in the Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease

Not all “gum health” toothpastes are created equal, yet they all claim to be the best toothpaste for gum disease. Don’t settle for something that simply masks symptoms. You need to fight the conditions that lead to gum damage in the first place.

Activated Edathamil

This patented ingredient in LIVFRESH breaks down the molecular bond between plaque and tooth enamel. It’s clinically shown to improve gum health by reducing plaque reattachment, which means less irritation and bleeding over time.

Stannous Fluoride

Unlike standard fluoride, this form brings antibacterial properties to the fight, helping reduce plaque and slow the progression of gum disease. It’s commonly found in drugstore brands. The problem is, it’s often paired with ingredients that can irritate sensitive mouths.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc has been shown to reduce plaque accumulation and support gum healing. It works as a mild antimicrobial, helping control the bacterial environment in your mouth.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Used in some natural or household-name pastes to help neutralize acid and remove plaque through abrasion. It’s effective, but can feel gritty if overused or paired with other abrasives. This ingredient is similar to stannous fluoride in that it can cause irritation in sensitive mouths.

Essential Oils (Menthol, Eucalyptol, Thymol, etc.)

These are often found in therapeutic rinses, but some pastes use low concentrations for their mild antibacterial effects as well. They won’t replace active plaque disruption but may help reduce oral bacteria levels slightly.

Hydroxyapatite

A popular fluoride alternative for rebuilding weakened enamel and smoothing rough areas where plaque tends to cling. Hydroxyapatite makes it harder for bacteria to settle along the gumline. Learn more about hydroxyapatite toothpaste vs fluoride toothpaste.

What is the Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease?

So, what is the best toothpaste for gum disease? These are the top 8 choices on the market right now.

LIVFRESH Gel Toothpaste

The only toothpaste with a patented formula that’s been clinically shown to improve gum health by 190% and remove 250% more plaque than a leading ADA-accepted toothpaste.

Activated Edathamil works at the molecular level to break the bond between plaque and your teeth - something standard toothpaste can’t do. It’s tough on plaque but gentle on sensitive teeth and gums with no abrasives, SLS, triclosan, or artificial preservatives. 100% edible ingredients.

Other products rely on foaming agents or numbing ingredients to make your mouth feel clean. But this toothpaste actually reduces the causes of gum disease: plaque, tartar, and inflammatory triggers. It’s backed by 26 peer-reviewed studies and 40+ patents.

Thousands of dental professionals agree this is the best toothpaste for gum disease. It’s also been considered the best toothpaste for plaque removal and the best toothpaste for receding gums.

Parodontax Complete Protection Toothpaste

Parodontax claims its formula will stop the issue in just 12 weeks when used twice daily. It works through stannous fluoride as the main ingredient. Sodium bicarbonate brings mild abrasive action to help loosen surface-level plaque. Some find the abrasive action makes matters worse, though.

Parodontax contains SLS, PEG compounds, and artificial flavoring agents - a couple of no-no ingredients, especially if you’re already dealing with inflamed gum tissue.

Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste

Colgate’s Total Plaque Pro Release uses stannous fluoride and its SmartFoam Technology to reach below the gumline and help remove plaque bacteria where you can’t even see it.

It’s a strong all-purpose toothpaste with real antibacterial benefits, and it’s clinically shown to reduce plaque between dental visits.

It has SLS, artificial dyes, PEG-6, and other synthetic ingredients that may not be well-tolerated by sensitive users. Whitening agents and foaming additives could also create discomfort if you already have receding or damaged gums.

Sensodyne Complete Protection Sensitive Toothpaste

Most people associate Sensodyne with sensitivity relief, but it’s also a solid choice for preventing or managing gum disease. Stannous fluoride supports gum and enamel health by shielding sensitive areas, freshening breath, and protecting against cavities.

The formula isn’t focused on breaking down biofilm or supporting deep gum healing. It also contains SLS, titanium dioxide, PEG-8, and artificial flavoring. These can worsen sensitivity.

Oral-B Pro-Expert Clinic Line Gum Protection

Oral-B’s gum protection toothpaste utilizes stannous fluoride. It may support healthier gums in about 4 weeks. The ingredient list includes SLS, synthetic flavoring, and stabilizers that can be harsh for users with active inflammation, though.

It might help slow disease progression, but it doesn’t offer the deep plaque disruption, clean ingredient profile, or peer-reviewed validation that makes LIVFRESH stand out.

Arm & Hammer Advance White

A formula with baking soda to lift surface stains and break down buildup before it hardens near the gumline. It also uses peroxide for whitening and fluoride for basic cavity protection.

The grit can be noticeable for people with tender gums, and it doesn’t include a targeted antibacterial ingredient for gum health, so the results tend to skew more cosmetic than corrective.

Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste

The best toothpaste for gum disease if you want a natural formula.

It uses naturally derived fluoride to support enamel and help control plaque, with a peppermint flavor that stays mild enough for daily use.

It’s free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. But, the plaque removal properties fall short of something like LIVFRESH’s gel toothpaste.

Crest Gum Pro-Health Advanced and Detoxify

These Crest formulas rely on stannous fluoride to address plaque bacteria along the gumline and help reduce bleeding in early gum issues. Detoxify also uses a light foaming action designed to reach tight spaces where plaque hides.

The tradeoff is a longer ingredient list with stabilizers and flavoring agents that may bother users with sensitivities. Still, it’s an accessible drugstore option with real antibacterial strength.

Don’t Overlook Dental Visits for Reversing Gum Disease!

Having the best toothpaste for gum disease isn’t enough. You need regular cleanings at your dentist to remove tartar once it’s hardened. Hygienists can also remove tartar once it’s hardened, where toothpaste alone can’t reach.

These visits give you a clear look at whether your gums are improving, and your provider can spot early warning signs before they turn into deeper pockets or lasting damage.

On top of regular dental visits (ideally twice a year), make sure you’re including the best mouthwash for gum disease in your routine. This, paired with the best gum disease toothpaste, can make a big difference!

Closing Thoughts on the Best Gum Disease Toothpaste

Gum disease affects your daily comfort, confidence, and long-term health. The best toothpaste for gum disease can help manage irritation, reduce plaque, and support healing, but not all formulas go beyond surface-level relief.

LIVFRESH breaks down plaque at the molecular level and improves gum health with a clean, edible formula backed by clinical research. It’s endorsed by thousands of dentists and backed by 26+ clinical studies showing it may improve gum health up to 190% more. It can stop bleeding gums in as few as 4 weeks.

Try it risk-free today.

Frequently asked questions

What causes gum disease?

Plaque is the main driver. It irritates gum tissue and triggers a cascade of issues once it builds up along the gumline.

What types of toothpaste kill oral bacteria?

Formulas with stannous fluoride, CPC, zinc salts, or activated edathamil help fight the bacteria that can lead to gum disease.

How do I choose a toothpaste for gum disease?

Look for something that disrupts plaque without harsh foaming or abrasive agents. It needs to be comfortable enough to use twice a day without irritation. Always look for a formula backed by clinical studies so you know you’re getting the best toothpaste for gum disease.

What is the best toothpaste for gum disease?

LIVFRESH is clinically proven to remove plaque up to 250% better while improving gum health 190% more. It’s endorsed by thousands of dental professionals and backed by even more 5-star reviews from real users. It’s powered by Activated Edathamil, an ingredient with 40+ patents.

How do I control plaque?

Brush twice daily, floss once per day, and use a toothpaste that interferes with plaque’s ability to stick to your enamel. A plaque removal mouthwash may help as well.