Mouthwash for a Receding Gumline - How Much Does It Help?
Table of Contents
- Best Mouthwash
- DIY Mouthwash
- Can It Fix Everything?
- Other Treatment Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mouthwash doesn’t address the underlying causes of receding gums, but it does stop bacteria and plaque buildup, which are responsible for gum disease. Gum recession, a condition in which the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to wear away, often stems from various forms of gum disease and poor oral hygiene.
In addition to gum diseases, the underlying causes of receding gums often include the following:
The most common cause of gum disease stems from poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque to build up and then harden into deposits called tartar, which is infinitely harder to deal with at home. Your dentist monitors tartar buildup during your monthly visits.
Using hard bristles and brushing too hard will cause the enamel on your teeth to wear out, encouraging gum recession.
Severe grinding and clenching of teeth can put enough pressure on the gums to make them recede.
Smoking increases your likelihood of getting gum disease.
Severe cases of periodontitis can cause the gum to pull away and develop pockets of space where infections thrive. Gum diseases like this cause the most severe forms of receding gums.
What is the best mouthwash for receding gums?
The best mouthwash for receding gums is the one your dentist recommends for your mouth and your health. The best recommendation is to seek professional advice from a dentist or oral hygienist first.
These are the brands often associated with gum treatment plans:
| Active Ingredient | Price Point | User Rating |
Corsodyl | Chlorhexidine digluconate | About $10 | Average 4.5 stars |
Listerine | Ethyl lauroyl arginate | About $10 | Average 4.5 stars |
Colgate Total Gum Health Mouthwash | Cetylpyridinium chloride | About $5 | Average 5 stars |
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash | Cetylpyridinium chloride | About $4 | Average 4 stars |
Corsodyl is a well-known manufacturer of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwashes. Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession.
Corsodyl uses an antiseptic (chlorhexidine digluconate) to kill plaque and stop bacterial buildup, a measure that can stop the development of receding gums.
Researchers with the National Institute for Health and Care Research say that chlorhexidine mouthwash reduces plaque within the first weeks or months of use. However, they warn that it shouldn’t be used for longer than four weeks, as it can cause staining. They also say there’s no evidence it’s helpful in people with moderate to severe gum disease.
Listerine is said to kill up to 97% of bacteria and has a renowned fresh, minty taste. This is a good option if you’re looking for a bit of variety since you’ll typically find several types available.
This brand makes mouthwash specifically for gum disease, which is sold in the UK — Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment. Made specifically for gum problems, it removes plaque, maintains gum health, and gives you minty fresh breath.
Listerine no longer includes its customary essential oil formula in its mouthwash. Instead, the brand’s gum treatment mouthwash has an ingredient called ethyl lauroyl arginate , an antimicrobial that’s been used to stop plaque buildup in packaged foods for years.
In a study of this ingredient, researchers split participants into groups. Some got this mouthwash, and others did not. The researchers found that the mouthwash significantly reduced plaque, gum swelling, and bleeding when it was used in addition to brushing for four weeks.
Colgate claims this highly rated mint-flavored mouthwash reduces plaque along the gum line and between teeth, killing 99% of germs it comes in contact with and providing 12-hour protection against plaque-forming bacteria. The formula contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a popular anti-bacterial agent.
In a study published in 2008, researchers found that mouthwashes containing this ingredient helped to reduce plaque buildup and gum swelling when compared to brushing alone. Studies like this suggest that the Colgate mouthwash could be a good option for gum health.
Another top pick is this minty multitasker, which also features CPC for battling bacteria and plaque. Crest claims this alcohol-free formula prevents gingivitis, kills 99% of germs, and freshens breath — all at an affordable price point.
As we mentioned, studies suggest that mouthwashes with this ingredient can help to reduce plaque buildup and gum swelling.
DIY mouthwash for receding gums
If you prefer the natural or do-it-yourself route, there are plenty of safe mouthwash recipes to make at home.
The most basic recipes use distilled water, baking soda, and sea salt and/or essential oils (often peppermint or tea tree oil, which have antimicrobial properties).
Baking soda is antibacterial and can bring relief to tender gums. It also can help in reducing inflammation in the mouth.
Talk to your dentist before trying any new rinses and be wary of any recipes that call for alcohol in the ingredients. While alcohol is used in many over-the-counter mouthwashes, it can cause dry mouth, which can actually harm the gums and encourage plaque and bacteria.
Some variations of DIY mouthwash recipes include the following:
Calendula extract, peppermint leaf or sage tea, and white oak bark extract
Aloe vera and/or xylitol
Apple cider vinegar or rosemary
Can the best mouthwash for receding gums fix everything?
The American Dental Association explains that mouthrinses can’t take the place of optimal brushing and flossing. Instead, think of a mouthwash as a way to enhance the care you give your gums.
Mouthwashes work by reducing bacterial levels inside your mouth, and they can help to remove bits of trapped material that might lodge between your teeth and gums. Swishing mouthwashes can also help to kill bacteria you forgot to touch with your brush.
However, never try to substitute brushing and flossing with using a dental rinse. This product doesn’t work well independently.
Other treatment options for receding gums
Mild cases of gum recession can be treated by this two-part procedure, which involves clearing out hardened tartar below the gum line and planing (smoothening) the roots of your teeth to encourage gum reattachment. The procedure is nonsurgical, but the dentist may offer a local anesthetic beforehand.
Following the procedure, you can expect some redness, swelling, and soreness. The dentist may recommend Corsodyl mouthwash as a short course antimicrobial afterward.
More severe cases of gum recession may necessitate the surgical detachment of gum tissue to enable better access to the roots. The gum tissue is folded back during the procedure and then reattached firmly once it’s done.
Regeneration is similar to scaling and planing procedures, but it involves the use of a membrane, graft-tissue or tissue-stimulating protein to encourage natural growth and restoration of damaged bone and tissue once the plaque and tartar buildup is cleared away.
Gum grafting is a viable measure for gums that have lost significant tissue. The dental surgeon may graft tissue from the roof of your mouth (or the surrounding gums) and use it to cover exposed roots.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions we often hear about the best mouthwash for receding gums:
The American Dental Association says mouthwash can help to reduce plaque and gingivitis, but only when combined with daily brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can make your mouth healthier, and that could help to allow your gums to reattach to your teeth. However, you may need more help from your dentist to truly address severe gum recession.
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how often you should use mouthwash to address your receding gums. The treatment time frames can vary by your oral health and the product your dentist thinks is best for you.