Best Toothpaste for Receding Gums
Whether you’re noticing more sensitivity or can actually see your gums receding further and further, you can slow the progression with the best toothpaste for receding gums. We’ve put together this list of the best toothpaste for gum recession to help you upgrade your oral care habits.
From traditional formulas featuring fluoride to one-of-a-kind gel toothpastes with patented ingredients such as Activated Edathamil, there are plenty of great toothpastes that can help you protect your gums from receding further!
What is Gum Recession?
The soft tissue around your teeth is starting to pull back or wear away, exposing more of the tooth - or even the root in more progressed cases. It’s not just a cosmetic issue. The more the gumline moves down, the more the exposed surface becomes vulnerable to plaque buildup, sensitivity, decay, and, over time, structural damage.
Common Causes of Receding Gums
Gum recession usually develops slowly and has a few potential causes.
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled brush
- Poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque and tartar buildup
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
It’s not easy to spot, either, unless you really look for it or have a dental professional point it out. You might notice your teeth look “longer” than they used to, or feel increased sensitivity near the gumline - especially to cold or sweet foods. Gumline notching, visible roots, or bleeding when brushing are also warning signs.
How Do You Fix Receding Gums With Toothpaste?
Gum tissue that has already receded cannot grow back. But the best toothpaste for gum disease can help you manage and even slow further recession. It can also help minimize some of the sensitivity that come with receding gums.
What is the Best Toothpaste for Receding Gums?
Finding the best toothpaste for gum disease can be stressful with so many brands and products claiming to be the #1 choice, so we’ve narrowed it down to just the top 5 options for you. So, what is the BEST toothpaste for receding gums? LIVFRESH.
LIVFRESH Gel Toothpaste
The most important thing you can do daily when it comes to managing gum recession is control plaque buildup around sensitive areas. That’s why LIVFRESH is the best gum recession toothpaste.
This plaque removal toothpaste is powered by Activated Edathamil, an ingredient with 40 patents that breaks down the molecular bond between plaque and tooth surfaces. It works especially well near the gumline, where buildup can cause or worsen recession.
LIVFRESH was shown to remove 250% more plaque and improve gum health by 190% compared to a leading ADA-accepted toothpaste in clinical studies. It’s also recommended by over 3,000 dentists. It can stop bleeding gums in as few as 4 weeks.
Sensodyne Original Mint Toothpaste
Gum recession comes with sensitivity, which is why Sensodyne could be considered the best toothpaste for gum recession. Potassium nitrate blocks the nerve signals that cause pain in response to cold, heat, or pressure. It also contains fluoride for enamel protection.
But Sensodyne doesn’t directly target gum health. You’re just masking symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of them. There are no antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients like stannous fluoride or zinc citrate, and it contains SLS and artificial colorants, which can cause more harm than good. LIVFRESH may be a better Sensodyne alternative.
Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
Crest’s Gum Detoxify Deep Clean uses stannous fluoride to neutralize bacteria and has an “activated foam” that claims to reach under the gumline where plaque bacteria thrive and cause irritation.
This toothpaste does have clinical backing for reducing gingivitis, and it can be helpful for keeping the area around receding gums clean. Now for the red flags: SLS, titanium dioxide, artificial sweeteners, and flavorants can all be problematic if you want a “clean-label” toothpaste.
As far as mainstream options go this is likely the best toothpaste for receding gums.
Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste
Parodontax’s Active Gum Repair may be able to prevent the gums from getting worse through stannous fluoride, which delivers antibacterial protection and reduces inflammation. 12-weeks of use could lead to noticeable improvements in bleeding gums or visible gum swelling.
However, some customers say the gritty texture and intense flavor make this toothpaste hard to use consistently - and consistency is everything when it comes to managing gum recession.
That’s not to mention some of the less-than-gentle ingredients on the label, like SLS, PEGs, and artificial additives. These are not ideal for anyone with sensitive gums or open tissue near exposed roots. Comfort matters just as much as performance, so stick with LIVFRESH as your Parodontax alternative.
Colgate Gum Renewal Toothpaste
Colgate’s Gum Renewal formulation is marketed as a trifecta in oral care: anticavity, antigingivitis, and antisensitivity. It has a clean, modern flavor and supports both enamel and gum issues.
Stannous fluoride is the key active ingredient and it also uses potassium nitrate for tooth sensitivity. It even features sodium hyaluronate to soothe soft tissues. It also uses SLS, PEGs, and synthetic colorants, all known problem ingredients for those with oral sensitivities.
Key Criteria in Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Gum Recession
Now that you know your options for the best toothpaste for receding gums, let’s take a step back and talk about how you can choose the ideal formula for YOUR needs.
Clinically Proven Plaque Control
The margin between your teeth and gums becomes more vulnerable to bacterial buildup as your gums move further and further down. That’s why the best toothpaste for gum recession is also the best toothpaste for plaque. Look for toothpaste with peer-reviewed clinical research behind it.
Enamel and Root Surface Support
Recession exposes the root surface of your teeth, which isn’t protected by enamel and wears down more easily. Look for ingredients that remineralize and strengthen these vulnerable areas.
Fluoride is one option. So is nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) - a mineral that mimics natural tooth structure and supports smoother, more durable root surfaces over time. Activated Edathamil may help remineralize teeth as well.
Gentle Formulas That Avoid Irritants to Help With Sensitivity
Gums affected by recession are already sensitive, and unfortunately, so steer clear of products that contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), strong artificial flavoring, abrasive whiteners, or drying alcohols. A formula that’s smooth, soothing, and free from known irritants is a better match for long-term use.
Taste and Texture That Encourage Daily Use
You could have the best toothpaste for receding gums - but you probably won’t use it as consistently as you should if it tastes harsh, foams excessively, or feels gritty. Consistency is everything when it comes to oral care.
More Ways to Manage Receding Gums
The best toothpaste for receding gums is just one piece of the puzzle. It can’t do everything on its own. Here are some more tips to prevent further recession:
- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush: Hard bristles and aggressive brushing can wear away gum tissue over time. A soft brush (manual or electric) gently removes plaque without adding trauma to your gumline. Our toothpaste does the heavy lifting so you don’t have to “scrub.”
- Use light, circular brushing motions: Avoid brushing back and forth. Tilt the brush at a 45° angle toward your gumline and brush with care. This technique is less abrasive and more effective at cleaning where recession begins.
- Floss daily, the right way: Flossing removes plaque where your brush can’t reach. Be gentle, though. Snap flossing can irritate gums. Curve it into a “C” shape against each tooth and glide it under the gumline.
- Avoid tobacco in all forms: Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums and slow down healing, making recession more likely and harder to manage.
- Rethink mouthwash: Alcohol-based rinses can dry out soft tissue. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash or ask your dentist for recommendations that support gum hydration.
- Manage grinding or clenching: Chronic tension on your teeth can accelerate recession. Talk to your dentist about a custom night guard if you wake up with jaw pain or tightness.
- Watch your diet: Excessive sugar and acidic foods can erode enamel and feed the bacteria that irritate gums. Drink water after meals and limit sugary snacks when possible.
- Schedule regular cleanings: Professional dental cleanings remove hardened tartar that contributes to gum irritation. You may need visits more than twice a year if you have a history of gum issues.
But, step one is bringing the best gum recession toothpaste into your oral care routine - and the only thing left to do at this point is make the upgrade at LIVFRESH!
Parting Thoughts on the Best Toothpaste for Gum Recession
Receding gums indicate oral care routine needs a more thoughtful approach. While no toothpaste can undo gum loss, the right one can help prevent things from getting worse - by removing plaque more effectively, calming inflammation, and protecting exposed roots.
While there are a few great options, you only want the best toothpaste for receding gums - and that’s LIVFRESH. Whether you’re looking for the best toothpaste for gingivitis or the best mouthwash for gum disease, your search ends here.
