The Best Alternatives to Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash for Receding Gums
Unsure what the best mouthwash for receding gums is? Yes, it’s confusing with so many options. Traditionally hydrogen peroxide mouthwash was recommended to help prevent and treat symptoms of gum disease, but it can cause stomach problems when swallowed, a black hairy tongue, and weaken teeth enamel. So maybe not the best option!
Let’s be honest, ideally, you don’t want mouthwash to cause any negative effects. Modern mouthwash solutions aim to halt gum recession without the associated issues with a hydrogen peroxide based mouthwash, but is it really true?
In this article, we review two of the best mouthwashes for receding gums, to help you buy the right mouthwash for the best price.
Corsodyl Mouthwash Review
Thanks to the advert, everyone knows Corsodyl as the go-to brand for bleeding gums.
Besides mouthwash for receding gums, Corsodyl manufacture toothpaste and dental floss. They aim all of their products at helping to prevent gum disease.
How Does Corsodyl Mouthwash Work?
One alternative to hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is Corsodyl mouthwash which contains chlorhexidine digluconate. This is an antiseptic and disinfectant, which is bactericidal or bacteriostatic against a wide range of harmful oral bacteria.
Corsodyl mouthwash has been shown to relieve mouth ulcers, combat oral thrush, and fight gum disease, which is one of the main causes of gum recession.
Disadvantages of Corsodyl mouthwash for receding gums include:
- Brown stains can form around your gum line and between your teeth. Although this is nothing to worry about, professional teeth cleaning is normally required to remove them.
- Can cause taste disturbances and some temporary tingling of your tongue and cheeks.
- Can be deactivated by certain kinds of toothpaste. (check for ‘sodium lauryl sulphate’ as this will stop the Corsodyl from working). If your toothpaste contains this ingredient either switch toothpaste or wait at least 30 minutes between using the toothpaste and chlorhexidine mouthwash.
My Professional Advice
Corsodyl mouthwash can help halt receding gums caused by gum disease, but I’d only recommend using it when recommended by your dentist.
Why?
Corsodyl mouthwash will not correct the underlying cause of gum disease on its own. You need to seek professional advice from your dentist or hygienist to establish why you have bleeding gums to ensure you prevent further gum disease and gum recession.
Corsodyl mouthwash should only be used as a supplemental aid once the cause of your receding gums has been established, and may not be needed at all.
Think of it like power washing weeds off a patio. The mouthwash will remove the weeds temporarily, but unless you remove the roots they’ll simply grow back.
Listerine Mouthwash Review
Listerine is traditionally known as an exceptionally fresh-tasting mouthwash that can kill up to 97% of bacteria in your mouth.
There are several types of Listerine mouthwashes, so we are going to focus on ‘Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment’ which is manufactured specifically for gum disease and one of the best alternatives to hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Listerine claim this will reduce plaque, maintain healthy gums, treat gum disease and give you that famous fresh breath.
How Does Listerine Mouthwash Work?
Listerine’s receding gums mouthwash has moved away from its traditional essential oil formula and has added an ingredient called Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HC. Don’t get hung up about the name, the magic ingredient has been used as an antimicrobial in food packing for years and has been shown to have a plaque-inhibitory effect.
The theory is, if plaque growth is inhibited on the teeth, it won’t irritate the gums and therefore your gums won’t recede.
Disadvantages of Listerine mouthwash for receding gums include:
- Listerine contains alcohol which can cause a burning sensation in your mouth
- Alcohol in mouthwash may cause irritation and slow down the healing of mouth ulcers or sores.
- Regular use of alcohol-based mouthwash may cause dry mouth.
My Professional Advice
Independent studies show Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment Mouthwash does work. This is based on twice-daily usage for a minimum of two weeks.
However, like Corsodyl mouthwash, Listerine mouthwash should never be used instead of twice daily brushing and flossing. Think of it as an addition to your oral health care regime.
Why?
Listerine will easily kill bacteria floating around in your mouth, however, it struggles if bacteria are layered onto your tooth surface. The only way to remove this bacteria is by brushing and flossing which physically knocks it off. Once it has been freed Listerine mouthwash will be more effective.
Takeaway
Always speak with your dentist before using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash or any over-the-counter mouthwash for receding gums. It is critical to ensure you’re treating the cause of gum disease, and no amount of brushing and flossing, mouthwash or using toothpaste for receding gums, will do this if you need a professional clean and plaque removal.
And importantly when choosing the best mouthwash for receding gums…
There are many causes of gum recession and treatment to reverse it doesn’t always work. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist to find out why your gums are receding, and to prevent any further advancement.
Even the best mouthwash for receding gums only works in combination with professional treatment from your dentist. Book your free smile makeover video consultation today!
Author
Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) qualified from university with honours. Working in the Bournemouth & Poole area, he’s passionate about orthodontics, minimally invasive dentistry and is a certified Invisalign provider.
