Best Mouthwashes for Gum Disease (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Gum disease, from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, affects nearly half of adults over 30 and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. While professional dental care is essential for managing gum disease, the right mouthwash provides crucial daily support by killing harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, and helping prevent progression. We’ve researched the most effective antigingivitis and antiplaque rinses to help you maintain healthier gums and prevent serious dental problems.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Listerine Clinical Solutions Gum Health — clinically proven to reduce gingivitis
- Best Value: Crest Pro-Health Gum Care — effective CPC formula at an affordable price
- Best Premium: PerioSciences AO ProRinse — antioxidant-powered gum healing
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredients | Alcohol-Free | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listerine Clinical Solutions Gum Health | Essential oils | No | 1 L | Proven gingivitis reduction |
| Crest Pro-Health Gum Care | Cetylpyridinium chloride | Yes | 1 L | Affordable protection |
| PerioSciences AO ProRinse | Antioxidants, essential oils | Yes | 10 oz | Sensitive gums |
| Colgate Total Gum Health | Cetylpyridinium chloride | Yes | 1 L | 12-hour protection |
| TheraBreath Healthy Gums | Chlorine dioxide, CPC | Yes | 16 oz | Natural healing |
| CloSYS Sensitive | Chlorine dioxide | Yes | 32 oz | Ultra-gentle care |
| Hello Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis | Tea tree oil, coconut oil | Yes | 16 oz | Natural ingredients |
| Listerine Total Care | Fluoride, essential oils | Yes | 1 L | Comprehensive care |
1. Listerine Clinical Solutions Gum Health — Best Overall
No products found.
Listerine Clinical Solutions Gum Health is clinically proven to reduce gingivitis and bleeding gums in just one week.
This powerful antigingivitis mouthwash uses a concentrated blend of essential oils to kill 99.9% of plaque bacteria that cause gum disease. Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvement in gum health markers including reduced bleeding, less inflammation, and improved gum tissue appearance within seven days of use. The formula penetrates biofilm to reach bacteria that regular brushing misses, providing professional-level gum care at home.
What We Like
- Clinically proven to reduce gingivitis in just one week
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria that cause gum disease and plaque
- Large one-liter bottle provides excellent value for daily use
What Could Be Better
- Contains alcohol which some find harsh or drying
- Strong icy mint flavor may be too intense for sensitive mouths
Bottom Line: For clinically proven gingivitis reduction with fast results, Listerine Clinical Solutions offers professional-strength gum care you can trust.
2. Crest Pro-Health Gum Care — Best Value
No products found.
Crest Pro-Health Gum Care delivers effective antigingivitis protection at an affordable price point.
This alcohol-free mouthwash uses cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to kill bacteria that cause gingivitis and plaque buildup. The formula helps prevent and reduce gingivitis while also fighting cavities, freshening breath, and strengthening enamel. The large one-liter bottle and budget-friendly price make it an excellent value for families or anyone seeking consistent gum protection without premium pricing.
What We Like
- Effective CPC formula at a budget-friendly price
- Alcohol-free for comfortable daily use
- Large size offers up to 50 days of twice-daily use
What Could Be Better
- May take longer to show results than stronger formulas
- Wintergreen flavor less appealing than mint for some users
Bottom Line: For reliable, affordable gum disease prevention, Crest Pro-Health Gum Care provides effective daily protection at an excellent value.
3. PerioSciences AO ProRinse — Best Premium
- For your oral health - PerioSciences AO ProRinse Sensitive Oral Rinse counteracts bad breath and soothes oral tissue with herbal compounds and essential oils. This antioxidant-based sensitivity mouthwash also freshens breath, supports your saliva’s natural defenses and helps with extreme oral sensations.
- Natural ingredients - PerioSciences mouthwash for sensitive teeth is made using our signature antioxidants and essential oils such as phloretin, ferulic acid, menthol peppermint oil, and plasdone. The Sensitive rinse contains witch hazel extract known to support gum health.
- Dentist recommended - Scientifically proven ingredients were chosen for properties that focus on the mouth's natural defense system—helping alleviate discomfort for sensitive mouth, and promote teeth and gum health.
- Easy to use - After brushing, swish approximately one teaspoon of AO ProRinse for up to a minute. Spit out all oral rinse. Do not swallow. For best results, wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
- Redefining Oral Care with Antioxidants - PerioSciences believes in harnessing the power of nature using antioxidants and science in a novel dual approach by using ingredients known to have properties that keep your oral health and your smile at its best.
PerioSciences AO ProRinse uses advanced antioxidants and essential oils to support gum healing and health.
This dentist-recommended formula combines signature antioxidants like phloretin and ferulic acid with therapeutic essential oils and witch hazel extract. The antioxidants help reduce inflammation and support tissue healing, while essential oils provide antibacterial protection. Particularly beneficial for sensitive or inflamed gums, it’s gentle enough for post-surgical care yet powerful enough to address chronic gum issues.
What We Like
- Advanced antioxidant formula supports natural gum healing
- Extremely gentle for sensitive or post-procedure gums
- Dentist-recommended with scientifically backed ingredients
What Could Be Better
- Premium pricing reflects high-quality specialty ingredients
- Smaller bottle size requires more frequent purchases
Bottom Line: For sensitive gums requiring gentle yet effective care, PerioSciences offers premium antioxidant-powered healing and protection.
4. Colgate Total Gum Health — Best 12-Hour Protection
No products found.
Colgate Total Gum Health provides 12-hour antibacterial protection to prevent and reduce gingivitis.
This antigingivitis mouthwash uses cetylpyridinium chloride to kill bacteria on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums, providing comprehensive protection against the organisms that cause gum disease. The alcohol-free formula is gentle on gums while delivering long-lasting antibacterial action that continues working between brushing sessions. Many users notice reduced bleeding and healthier-looking gums within weeks of regular use.
What We Like
- Provides 12-hour protection against gingivitis-causing bacteria
- Whole-mouth antibacterial action beyond just teeth
- Alcohol-free formula is comfortable for daily use
What Could Be Better
- Results may take several weeks of consistent use
- Some users find the flavor less refreshing than competitors
Bottom Line: For all-day gum protection with proven antibacterial action, Colgate Total Gum Health delivers reliable prevention and treatment.
5. TheraBreath Healthy Gums — Best Natural Healing
- FIGHTS BAD BREATH: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash fights bad breath for 24 hours when used every 12 hours after brushing and flossing
- DENTIST FORMULATED: Dr. Katz created the TheraBreath formulas in 1993 to help his own daughter with her bad breath
- ADA ACCEPTED: Our alcohol-free, non-burning formula is powered by oxygen, and is ADA accepted to help reduce bad breath
- RESTORE CONFIDENCE: TheraBreath believes you should define success any way you please. We exist to motivate you to go get it.
- For best results, swish TheraBreath Rinse for 1 minute after brushing your teeth with toothpaste then spit out; do not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards
TheraBreath Healthy Gums combines chlorine dioxide and CPC for natural yet powerful gum disease fighting.
This dentist-formulated rinse uses oxygenating compounds and cetylpyridinium chloride to attack bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis. The formula reduces inflammation and bleeding while promoting healing of irritated gum tissue. Free from alcohol, artificial colors, and harsh chemicals, it provides clinical-strength gum care through naturally derived active ingredients.
What We Like
- Dentist-formulated with clinically proven natural ingredients
- Reduces inflammation and promotes gum tissue healing
- Free from alcohol and artificial additives
What Could Be Better
- Mild flavor may not provide intense “clean” sensation
- Higher price point than mass-market rinses
Bottom Line: For those seeking natural yet professional-strength gum disease treatment, TheraBreath combines gentle ingredients with proven effectiveness.
6. CloSYS Sensitive — Best Ultra-Gentle
No products found.
CloSYS Sensitive kills gingivitis-causing bacteria with absolutely no burning or irritation.
This pH-balanced mouthwash uses patented chlorine dioxide technology to eliminate 99.9% of harmful bacteria in just 10 seconds without any sting or burn. Despite being incredibly gentle, it’s remarkably effective for gum health. The unflavored formula is ideal for very sensitive or inflamed gums, and you can add optional flavor drops if desired. The large 32-ounce bottle provides excellent value.
What We Like
- Zero burning or stinging despite powerful antibacterial action
- pH-balanced to match your mouth’s natural chemistry
- Kills bacteria in 10 seconds while being ultra-gentle on gums
What Could Be Better
- Unflavored version may feel less “clean” to some users
- Premium pricing for gentle specialty formula
Bottom Line: For extremely sensitive or inflamed gums requiring the gentlest possible care, CloSYS delivers powerful protection without any irritation.
7. Hello Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis — Best Natural
No products found.
Hello Naturally Healthy uses tea tree oil and coconut oil for natural antigingivitis protection.
This vegan, cruelty-free mouthwash harnesses the natural antibacterial properties of tea tree oil while coconut oil soothes inflammation and promotes healing. Free from alcohol, artificial sweeteners, dyes, and SLS, it provides effective gum care through botanical ingredients. The natural peppermint oil flavoring delivers refreshment without synthetic additives.
What We Like
- Natural antibacterial ingredients effectively reduce gingivitis
- Vegan and free from all artificial additives
- Affordable pricing for natural gum care
What Could Be Better
- May require longer consistent use than conventional formulas
- Natural mint flavor less intense than synthetic options
Bottom Line: For natural, affordable gum disease prevention with clean ingredients, Hello delivers effective botanical care without harsh chemicals.
8. Listerine Total Care — Best Comprehensive Protection
No products found.
Listerine Total Care provides six benefits including gum protection, cavity prevention, and enamel strengthening.
This alcohol-free formula kills 99.9% of germs that cause gingivitis and plaque while also strengthening enamel with fluoride. The essential oil blend penetrates biofilm to clean your whole mouth, addressing gum health alongside cavity prevention and fresh breath. It’s an excellent choice if you want comprehensive oral care that includes strong gum protection without needing multiple products.
What We Like
- Six benefits including gum health, cavity prevention, and enamel care
- Alcohol-free formula is gentler than classic Listerine
- Clinically proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis
What Could Be Better
- Less specialized than dedicated gum disease treatments
- Multi-benefit approach may be less aggressive on gum issues
Bottom Line: For comprehensive oral care that includes effective gum protection, Listerine Total Care delivers multiple benefits in one convenient rinse.
How to Choose the Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease
Understanding the severity of your gum disease is crucial for selecting the right mouthwash. Early-stage gingivitis, characterized by mild bleeding and inflammation, typically responds well to over-the-counter antigingivitis rinses containing ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), essential oils, or chlorhexidine. However, if you have moderate to severe periodontitis with gum recession, deep pockets, or loose teeth, you need professional dental treatment—mouthwash alone won’t cure advanced disease, though it remains an important component of your treatment plan.
Look for specific active ingredients proven effective against gum disease. Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol) have decades of clinical evidence supporting their antigingivitis effects. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) kills bacteria and reduces plaque formation. Chlorine dioxide attacks anaerobic bacteria in gum pockets. Some prescription mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, the gold standard for short-term gum disease treatment, though it requires dental supervision. Avoid relying solely on cosmetic rinses that freshen breath without addressing the bacterial cause of gum disease.
Consider your mouth’s sensitivity when choosing a formula. If you have inflamed or receding gums, alcohol-based mouthwashes can cause significant discomfort and may actually worsen gum irritation. Alcohol-free formulas are equally effective at killing bacteria while being much gentler on sensitive gum tissue. pH-balanced rinses like CloSYS are particularly good for very sensitive mouths. If you experience burning or pain when using mouthwash, switch to a gentler alcohol-free option—discomfort may discourage consistent use, which is essential for managing gum disease.
Factor in long-term sustainability and compliance. The most effective mouthwash is the one you’ll actually use twice daily, every day. Consider flavor preferences, price point, and whether you prefer natural or conventional formulations. Some people find the strong taste of traditional Listerine motivating because it feels like “serious medicine,” while others prefer milder flavors they won’t dread using. Larger bottles offer better value if you’re committed to long-term gum health maintenance. Remember that managing gum disease requires lifelong vigilance—choose a product you can envision using indefinitely.
Benefits of Using Gum Disease Mouthwash
Antigingivitis mouthwashes provide essential daily treatment for gum disease that brushing and flossing alone cannot accomplish. While mechanical cleaning removes plaque from tooth surfaces, mouthwash reaches bacteria deep in gum pockets and between teeth where your brush can’t access. The antibacterial ingredients kill the harmful organisms that cause inflammation, bleeding, and tissue destruction. Clinical studies show that using an antigingivitis mouthwash alongside proper brushing and flossing significantly reduces gingivitis markers compared to brushing and flossing alone.
Regular use of gum disease mouthwash helps prevent the progression from gingivitis to periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible—with proper care including effective mouthwash, you can restore your gums to health. However, if gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you develop irreversible damage including bone loss and gum recession. By consistently using an antigingivitis rinse, you interrupt the disease process, reduce bacterial populations, and give your gums the opportunity to heal before permanent damage occurs.
Beyond preventing tooth loss, treating gum disease protects your overall health. Research increasingly links periodontal disease to serious systemic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory problems, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially affecting organs throughout your body. By maintaining healthier gums through consistent mouthwash use as part of comprehensive oral care, you may reduce your risk of these serious health conditions while preserving your natural teeth for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mouthwash cure gum disease?
Mouthwash alone cannot cure established gum disease, but it’s an important component of treatment. Early-stage gingivitis may reverse with excellent home care including antigingivitis mouthwash, proper brushing, and flossing. However, moderate to severe periodontitis requires professional treatment including deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and possibly surgery. After professional treatment, consistent mouthwash use helps maintain improvements and prevent recurrence. Always consult your dentist for proper gum disease diagnosis and treatment.
How long does it take for mouthwash to improve gum health?
Most people notice reduced bleeding and less inflammation within two to four weeks of consistent antigingivitis mouthwash use. Some clinical-strength formulas show improvement in as little as one week. However, significant gum tissue healing and pocket depth reduction typically require several months of consistent care. For best results, use mouthwash twice daily after brushing and flossing, and maintain regular dental checkups to monitor progress.
What’s the best ingredient for fighting gum disease in mouthwash?
Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are the most proven over-the-counter ingredients for fighting gum disease. Both have extensive clinical evidence demonstrating effectiveness against gingivitis. Chlorhexidine is the most powerful antigingivitis agent but requires a prescription and is typically used short-term due to side effects like staining. Choose products with these active ingredients rather than just cosmetic freshening agents.
Should I use mouthwash before or after brushing?
Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing for optimal effectiveness. Brushing and flossing first remove large plaque deposits and food particles, allowing the mouthwash to penetrate more effectively and reach bacteria that brushing missed. If using fluoride toothpaste, wait about 30 minutes before using a non-fluoride mouthwash, or use a fluoride-containing rinse immediately after brushing to maintain fluoride protection.
Why are my gums still bleeding despite using mouthwash?
If your gums continue bleeding after several weeks of consistent mouthwash use alongside proper brushing and flossing, you likely have gum disease that requires professional treatment. You may have calculus (hardened plaque) below the gumline that only a dentist can remove, or you might have periodontitis rather than just gingivitis. Schedule a dental appointment for evaluation. Also ensure you’re using an antigingivitis formula, not just a cosmetic rinse, and that you’re brushing and flossing correctly.
Can I use gum disease mouthwash if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, many gum disease mouthwashes are available in alcohol-free formulas that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. Some products even combine gum disease treatment with sensitivity relief. Avoid alcohol-based rinses if you have sensitivity, as they can cause additional discomfort. Ultra-gentle options like CloSYS or PerioSciences are specifically designed for sensitive mouths while still providing effective antibacterial protection.
How often should I use antigingivitis mouthwash?
Use antigingivitis mouthwash twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed—for optimal results. Consistent twice-daily use is more effective than occasional intensive use. Always follow the usage instructions on your specific product, as some prescription rinses may have different recommendations. Never exceed the recommended usage, as overuse can disrupt your mouth’s natural bacterial balance or cause other problems.
Is alcohol-free mouthwash as effective for gum disease?
Yes, alcohol-free mouthwashes are just as effective as alcohol-based formulas for fighting gum disease. The antibacterial power comes from active ingredients like CPC, essential oils, or chlorine dioxide—not from alcohol. In fact, alcohol-free formulas are often preferred for gum disease because alcohol can dry out mouth tissues and irritate already-inflamed gums. Many modern antigingivitis rinses are alcohol-free specifically to improve comfort and compliance.
