Mouthwash for a Receding Gumline - How Much Does It Help?

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Table of Contents
- What Are The Top Brands
- How Effective is Mouthwash
- Other Treatment Options
- References
Mouthwash doesn’t address the underlying causes of receding gums, but it does stop bacteria and plaque buildup 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:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing Too Hard
Grinding Your Teeth
Smoking
Periodontitis
What Are The Top Brands?
Corsodyl
Corsodyl is a well-known manufacturer of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwashes. The 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 contains an active ingredient called chlorhexidine digluconate, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that aren’t layered onto the teeth.
Listerine
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 of Listerine at your chemist’s.
This brand makes mouthwash specifically for gum diseases called ‘Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment.’ Made specifically for gum problems, it removes plaque, maintains gum health, and gives you minty fresh breath.
How Effective is Mouthwash?
Corsodyl uses an antiseptic (chlorhexidine digluconate) to kill plaque and stop bacterial buildup, a measure that can stop the development of receding gums. Aside from aiding in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, the antiseptic fights oral thrush and mouth ulcers. It can also be used for partially erupted teeth (wisdom teeth especially).
Corsodyl might cause temporary brown stains around your gum line and a tingling sensation on your tongue and cheeks. It can also be deactivated by sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient found in some toothpaste. For maximum effectiveness, your dentist may recommend another toothpaste or advice you not to brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after using Corsodyl.
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 HC, an antimicrobial that’s been used to stop plaque buildup in packaged foods for years.
Listerine stops plaque buildup, thereby preventing the tooth irritation that leads to gum recession. However, it also contains alcohol, and so it might cause an unpleasant burning sensation that lasts temporarily.
Listerine is said to be effective in as little as two weeks when used twice a day. However, neither it nor Corsodyl should be used in lieu of mechanical brushing since they mostly kill the bacteria floating around your mouth and not the ones embedded on the surface of your teeth.
The best recommendation is to seek professional advice from a dentist or oral hygienist first. Neither of these mouthwashes addresses the underlying cause of your receding gums and are only meant to serve as supplementary aids for gum recession, which must be established by a health professional first.
Other Treatment Options for Receding Gums
Scaling and Root Planing
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 non-surgical, but the dentist may offer a local anesthetic beforehand.
Following the procedure, you can expect some redness, swelling and soreness, and the dentist may recommend Corsodyl mouthwash as a short course antimicrobial afterward.
Surgical Scaling and Planing
Gum Regeneration
Gum Grafts
References
Periodontal disease causatives and prevention: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. NCDCR. Date fetched: August 30, 2021.
Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials. Iran Journal of Basic Medical Science. Date fetched: August 30, 2021.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back? GlaxoSmithKline. Date fetched: August 30, 2021.
Best Mouthwash for Receding Gums. Smilestories. Date fetched: August 30, 2021.
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