Ease discomfort in your gums with these 16 tried-and-tested solutions recommended by professionals.

Ease discomfort in your gums with these 16 tried-and-tested solutions recommended by professionals.

In pursuit of soothing your sensitive gums, we've harnessed the wisdom of dental experts to guide you through the best at-home remedies on offer. Here's a lowdown on some whizzy, dentist-approved strategies to ease gum woes:

Top Toothpastes for Sensitive Gums

Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

Get your gums spring-loaded with this toothpaste like a boss - Dr. Anjali Rajpal, the brainchild of Beverly Hills Dentistry Arts, insists. Loaded with sturdy fluoride, it strengthens tooth enamel and zaps overall gum sensitivity. Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Wei, a New York City-based cosmetic dentist, digs it since it's specially crafted for sensitive teeth and protects enamel from erosion while kindly whitening your pearly whites.

Slap this shiz on your toothy grin with ease at Amazon for just $7, snag it from Target or Walgreens for $8, or zen out with CVS for $9.

Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste

Call up Dr. Naomi Goldman, the supreme leader of Levy Goldman Dentistry, and she'll rave about this toothpaste's gum-detoxifying superpowers. Its jiggly formula fortifies and mends teeth and gums, preventing further gum recession. Antibacterial fluoride in it annihilates plaque and bacteria, ensuring your piehole remains a pristine sanctuary. Hop on this bandwagon by forking out $9 on Amazon.

Parodontax Complete Protection Toothpaste

Looking for a gum-saving sidekick? This badass Parodontax toothpaste's got stannous fluoride on its side, enabling it to beef up enamel and bust plaque on the gumline. In doing so, it wards off bleeding gums by creating a snug gum-tooth bond, denying plaque the chance to settle in like a squatter. Make it yours for $7 on Amazon, $7 at Walmart, $8 at CVS, or $9 at Walgreens.

Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Gum All-Day Protection Toothpaste

If you've got a gum fade, steer clear of abrasive whitening toothpaste, as advised by Dr. Naomi Goldman. Opt for this Crest paste, laden with stannous fluoride, that soothes teeth and gums, alleviating sensitivity symptoms in the blink of an eye. The bonus? It subtly whitens teeth and delivers a beaming smile.

Grab this tube o' joy for $9 on Amazon, nil on Walmart's dresser, $9 at Target, $9 at Walgreens, or pay up because you nasty with $10 at Rite Aid.

Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening Toothpaste

Keen on a fluoride-free paste? Then, take a spin with this number from Himalaya Botanique, preferred by Dr. Anjali Rajpal, since it's free from artificial additives. With a medley of natural botanical ingredients, it banishes surface stains while keeping your chompers sparkling clean without aggravating your now precious gums.

Can it? Spend $6 on iHerb, $7 on Amazon, $7 on Walmart, or $7 at CVS.

Top Mouthwashes for Sensitive Gums

CloSYS Healthy Gums Mouthwash

Folks with gum sensitivities can benefit from the zest of mouthwashes, as they're capable of deep-diving into gum pockets, reducing inflammation in areas that toothbrush bristles can't reach. Dr. Anjali Rajpal applauds this powerful cleanser, armed with the antimicrobial agent Cloralstan. It obliterates bacteria that causes gingivitis and halitosis, keeping your breath fresh for extended periods.

Show off this amazing rinse with $14 on Amazon, $17 at Walgreens, or $20 at CVS.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash, Pack of 2

Approved by the American Dental Association, this TheraBreath mouthwash slays gingivitis-causing bacteria with its potent brew of cetylpyridinium chloride. A boon for your oral hygiene routine, it keeps your breath fresh for hours without torching your gums.

Have some for $15 on Amazon, or get two packs for $20 at iHerb.

Tom's of Maine Sea Salt Natural Mouthwash

Saltwater rinses have stood the test of time as a reliable, at-home remedy for quelling oral worries since they temporarily alter your mouth's pH balance, creating a hostile environment for bacterial blooms. Not to mention, they're gentle on the membranes beneath the gums, promoting healing rather than intensifying irritations. Score this oceanic rinse for $5 on Amazon or revel in the simplicity of $4 at Walmart.

GuruNanda Fresh Breath Mouthwash

For those with sensitive gums, it might be worth your time to explore natural goods. Devoid of artificial ingredients, they tend to be kinder on shaky examples of your gums. Dr. Anjali Rajpal digs this mouthwash from GuruNanda, with its alcohol- and fluoride-free formula. Enriched with essential oils and vitamins, like vitamin E, it's dapperly accepted by the American Dental Association.

Put it to the test for $7 at Drugstore.com or $12 on iHerb.

Top Toothbrushes and Flossers for Sensitive Gums

Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush

Regular teeth brushing is key to banishing the creeps like bacteria and plaque that hang around and cause tooth decay, gum disease, and stank breath. To achieve a thorough clean, even if you've got sensitive gums, step it up with an electric toothbrush, like the one from Oral-B's fancy pants iO Series. Dr. Erin Fraundorf, orthodontist and founding goddess of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio, cries, "Invest!" "Your electric toothbrush should endure years, and you only need the brush head changed every three months." The advanced tech in the iO Series 9 sets it apart as our finest, top-tested pick for the best smart electric toothbrush.

Read our review or fork over $220 at Amazon, $220 at Best Buy, or $300 at Target.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9300 Electric Toothbrush

Soothing tooth brushing sessions are just a toothpaste squirt away, thanks to the Sonic toothbrushes. Known for their gentle yet persistent cleansing action, they're perfect for sensitive gums. Dr. Michael Wei suggests this DiamondClean Smart model from Philips. With different intensity levels and brush heads to match individual needs, this posh electric toothbrush is as snazzy as your fedora.

Add this to your wardrobe for $200 at Amazon, $200 at Target, $200 at Best Buy, or $200 at Walgreens.

Parodontax Complete Protection Soft Toothbrush

For a manual toothbrush that does the job, Wei recommends this Parodontax toothbrush with its delicate bristles. Though it's soft, it still delivers a solid, mouth-cleansing performance.

Swipe it off the shelves for $12 at Amazon or $12 at Target.

Orabrush Tongue Cleaner, 2-Pack

Scrape those tongue tropes off your tongue daily with this peachy number from Orabrush, an editor-fave and expert-approved tongue cleaner. Keeping the gums along the back of your tongue safe, Wei advises that you clean gently to avoid irritation.

Get in on the snuggle fun for $9 on Amazon.

Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced Powered

For guys who don't dig traditional flossing, water flossers are a great alternative - they're effective at dislodging plaque around the gumline without putting any pressure on tender teeth or gums. Flossing is still important for keeping your gums healthy, so slap one of these water flossing bad boys on your bathroom shelf.

Speaking of Amazons, this Oral-B Water Flosser will set you back $81.

Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit

Cold-shouldering daily flossing due to the faff is common, but not cool. This convenient electric flosser from Flaus makes it simple to slay gum disease in its infancy. Utilizing sonic vibrations, it sweeps plaque between your teeth without tormenting your gums. Tobey Grumet Segal, former health editor at Delish, appreciates the ergo design that keeps your fingers mouth-free.

Relax. Unwind. $94 gets you this gem at Amazon, or $119 on the Flaus website.

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

If you're still unsure about water flossing or are a bit gum-sensitive, try out this Waterpik Aquarius flosser. Its super soft water jet pulses erase plaque buildup without causing gum irritation. You can adjust the pressure for ultimate comfort, and it even comes with seven flosser tips.

$80 on Amazon, $90 at Target, or $100 at Walgreens.

Miswak or siwak - an ancient Arabian toothbrush for tooth cleaning. Related article: Not everyone uses a toothbrush to clean their teeth - here's what science says about the alternatives.

How to Select the Best Product for Sensitive Gums

Facing gum sensitivity is never jolly, but it's crucial not to quit your oral hygiene routine. As our experts suggest, continue to floss daily, brush twice daily, and attend regular dental cleanings, but ease up on routine when necessary. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid further irritation to your gums. Apply gentle pressure with these lifestyle tweaks. Scale back on abrasive ingredients, especially when whitening your teeth, for ultimate grinner comfort. Seek dentist advice if gum sensitivities persist or intensify.

FAQs:

Our dental experts Dr. Erin Fraundorf, Dr. Naomi Goldman, Dr. Anjali Rajpal, and Dr. Michael Wei answered the following FAQs:

• Key factors contributing to gum sensitivity: poor oral hygiene, gum recession, excessive or aggressive brushing or flossing, hormonal changes, underlying gum disease, and certain acidic or spicy foods.
• Medications and dental procedures like teeth cleanings, restorations, or orthodontic treatments can also lead to temporary gum sensitivity.
• To relieve gum sensitivity, ingredients like fluoride enhance enamel strength and reduce sensitivity over time. Other helpful ingredients include hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, chlorhexidine, and natural remedies like aloe vera, chamomile, green tea extract, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
• Steer clear of oral care products with harsh ingredients like alcohol, strong acids, abrasive substances, or artificial additives, as these can further irritate your gums.
• Consult your dentist before incorporating new products into your oral routine to ensure their suitability for your needs.
• To ensure gentle brushing, use an electric toothbrush with a pressure indicator, soft or extra-soft bristles, and a sensitivity setting or head.

Why Trust Us

Our team, composed of seasoned writers and editors, boasts many years of experience testing, researching, and advising on a broad range of products. We work closely with our deep pool of dental experts to ensure our advice is grounded in well-informed insights and consistently delivers top-notch recommendations. For this piece, we consulted four esteemed dental experts – Dr. Erin Fraundorf, Dr. Naomi Goldman, Dr. Anjali Rajpal, and Dr. Michael Wei – to provide you with the best home remedies for gum sensitivity.

1. Get the Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste, as it provides a powerful solution for sensitive gums with sturdy fluoride that strengthens enamel and reduces overall gum sensitivity.
2. The Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste has superpowers for detoxifying gums, preventing further recession, and annihilating plaque and bacteria.
3. Parodontax Complete Protection Toothpaste, equipped with stannous fluoride, reinforces enamel, eliminates plaque from the gumline, and prevents gum bleeding.
4. Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Gum All-Day Protection Toothpaste soothes teeth and gums, alleviating sensitivity symptoms and providing all-day protection.
5. If you're on the hunt for a fluoride-free toothpaste, Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening Toothpaste, with its botanical ingredients, can banish surface stains and keep your gums clean without using harsh additives.

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