The 8 Best Toothpastes For Gums, According To A Dentist

• Also available on Walmart, $15

The key ingredient that makes Parodontax the overall best toothpaste for gingivitis and bleeding gums is stannous fluoride. Unlike the more commonly included ingredient sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride is clinically proven to be 40% more effective at reducing bleeding gums — often the first sign of gum disease. Boasting a 4.8-star overall rating after 5,000 reviews on Amazon, users have reported that using this formula has significantly helped heal or reduce their gum inflammation.

Last but not least, Paradontax is a company that specializes in toothpaste for gum disease and gingivitis, making it a sure choice.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: "I found out about this toothpaste, and I was interested because I wear a dental appliance and keep ending up with bleeding gums. I had started added mouthwash to my regime, but since switching to this toothpaste, my gums are healthy and do not bleed, and I no longer need the mouthwash. It is a little pricier than other toothpaste, but very much worth it as it helps my gums...”

• Also available on Bed Bath & Beyond, $5 and Rite Aid, $4

A Jack of all trades, the Colgate Total gel toothpaste uses stannous fluoride to fight the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and bleeding, but it has a whole host of other benefits too, working to tackle plaque, tartar, gingivitis, weakened maintenance, bad breath, and even sensitivity. In fact, this highly rated pick even has some whitening properties. While it isn’t likely to offer as much sensitivity relief and whitening results as toothpastes specifically formulated for those tasks, it’s a great all-around pick that does a good job on multiple fronts.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: "I had a tinge of bleeding from periodontitis, and at my Cleaning my dentist recommend a stannous fluoride toothpaste.After a week of use, I'm already noticing better gum health.”

• Also available on Walmart, $8

While there are many natural toothpastes on the market, there aren't many that also claim to improve gum health. That's what makes The Natural Dentist toothpaste a great pick for holistically minded people. Instead of stannous fluoride, it’s formulated with aloe vera, which is thought to help reduce gum inflammation. Botanicals like myrrh extract and sage oil round out the formula, and it’s free of abrasives, artificial fillers, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Worried it’ll taste “natural”? Think again: The peppermint flavor will leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: "I bought this because my gums bleed sometimes when I brush. I liked the fact that its natural and has aloe. So far, I like it a lot. It tastes good and leaves a nice feeling in my mouth. I’ve only been using it a few days, but so far, no blood in the sink.”

• Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $7 (1-Pack) and Rite Aid, $7 (1-Pack)

If you’re looking for a serious clean, the Crest Gum Detoxify toothpaste uses an activated foam formulation to target hard-to-reach places — like your gum line — where it neutralizes plaque bacteria and fights gingivitis. This unusual but effective treatment also provides a cooling sensation to gums during and after brushing, which can help soothe soreness and irritation. Made with stannous fluoride, it has a mild, non-minty flavor and boasts a sky-high 4.8-star overall rating after racking up 28,000 reviews.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “This stuff feels great in your mouth. It foams so be prepared for a mouth full of toothpaste, but that insures that it gets into the difficult to brush places in your mouth. It tastes good and has a cooling effect after you finish. I like it a lot and my teeth and gums feel great. Can't wait for my next dental exam to see the results.”

• Also available on Rite Aid, $6 (1-Pack)

If you have sensitive teeth and gum concerns, the Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste can handle them both, and it’s highly rated by Amazon reviewers. The mint-flavored toothpaste includes stannous fluoride to promote gum health, and it also creates a protective layer over exposed dentin, which helps shield nerves from uncomfortable sensations like heat, cold, acid, and sweets. According to Sensodyne, you’ll experience relief from sensitivity within three days, as long as you brush twice daily.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “Several times a day, I would get a sharp pain in my teeth. I started flossing twice a day like my dentist recommended and using this product twice a day too. Now I rarely have pain anymore. I drink hot or cold drinks, no pain whatsoever. The key is to start using it, and use it every time you brush. I completely recommend this product for people with sensitive gums and teeth. You won't regret it.”

• Also available on Rite Aid, $7 (1-Pack)

Colgate’s Renewal toothpaste revitalizes gums with the help of stannous fluoride, but — since stannous fluoride can increase discoloration — it includes whitening ingredients to brighten teeth and prevent future staining. The mint-flavored paste-and-gel formula neutralizes plaque bacteria, which can help reverse gum disease damage in its early stages. As a result, it can help prevent gum bleeding. Like most whitening toothpastes, results will be more subtle than using a separate whitening treatment, but it’s a great way to add a little brightness while preventing further staining.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “Great toothpaste. Leaves my teeth feeling clean with little effort. My teeth do seem to have gotten slightly whiter. My gums do not bleed as much as they have in the past it seems with this toothpaste. Taste of it is like any other toothpaste.”

• Also available on Bed Bath & Beyond, $6 (1-Pack) and Rite Aid, $7 (1-Pack)

This two-in-one formula from Crest works to repair both the gums and tooth enamel. The deeply penetrating paste fortifies weakened enamel, while amino acids work to support gum healing and treat gingivitis in just seven days. The mint-flavored toothpaste also reduces plaque and has whitening benefits to keep teeth bright and prevent stains.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I've been using this toothpaste for about 3 weeks and my teeth are so much whiter, and that's not even the main result it advertises! I had gingivitis and my gums were red and sore and they were higher in places than they are supposed to be. Enter, this amazing toothpaste! I no longer have gingivitis and no oral pain for the first time in a long time!! My gums have returned to where they're supposed to be and my smile is beautiful again!!”

• Also available on Bed Bath & Beyond, $13 and Walgreens, $13

If whitening your teeth is a priority, and you don’t mind spending a little extra money and time on your oral hygiene regimen, it’s worth considering this two-step kit from Crest. The kit includes a no-rinse gum-detoxifying toothpaste formulated with stannous fluoride, and a whitening gel that uses peroxide to brighten teeth. The toothpaste’s activated foam reaches deep into the gum line for thorough cleaning, and the brand says it’ll improve gum health by six times in about a week.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I love this toothpaste. You can see the whitening one work as you’re using it and my gums don’t bleed anymore! Pair it with an electric toothbrush to really make your dentist proud.”

Expert:

Dr. Lee Gause, dentist and founder of Smile Design Manhattan