Best products for gum sensitivity: according to dental experts
Though most of us have a thorough oral health routine firmly in place, no one is exempt from dealing with the occasional bout of teeth or gum sensitivity.
Mild gum sensitivity might seem like a simple slight annoyance, yet it can lead to more serious issues like gum disease if left unaddressed. You can, of course, consult your dentist to pinpoint annoying gum irritation, but if you're looking for a speedier remedy, check out one of the many over-the-counter products available on the market. To help you choose the most trusted products, I asked dentists for their top recommendations on what to use at home to help ease gum sensitivity and keep your whole mouth protected.
Best toothpastes for gum sensitivity
Best mouthwashes for gum sensitivity
CloSYS Healthy Gums Mouthwash
Amazon
Mouthwashes can be a smart bet for those dealing with gum sensitivity since they penetrate deeper into gum pockets, helping reduce inflammation in areas toothbrush bristles can't reach. Rajpal said this powerful antibacterial rinse is made with the antimicrobial agent Cloralstan which, eliminates bacteria that contributes to gingivitis and bad breath. Wei also liked the Ultra Sensitive formulation of this alcohol-free mouthwash, which is pH balanced to help promote a healthy oral environment.
$14 at Amazon
$17 at Walgreens
$20 at CVS
Tom's of Maine Sea Salt Natural Mouthwash
Amazon
Saltwater rinses have long been a home remedy for alleviating oral ailments since they're said to temporarily raise the mouth's pH, making it difficult for problem-causing bacteria to thrive. They work to promote healing without irritating the sensitive membranes in the mouth. This Tom's of Maine Sea Salt mouthwash delivers the same anti-inflammatory benefits of a sea salt solution, but with a touch of mint for added freshness.
$8 $5 at Amazon
GuruNanda Fresh Breath Mouthwash
Amazon
For those with sensitive gums, Rajpal says that it might be worth trying natural products. Made without artificial ingredients, they tend to be more delicate on the gums. Rajpal liked this mouthwash from GuruNanda, which is both alcohol- and fluoride-free. Formulated with essential oils and vitamins like vitamin E — which Wei noted has properties that can help promote healthy gums and reduce sensitivity — this mouthwash is also accepted by the American Dental Association.
$8 $7 at Amazon
$12 at iHerb
Best toothbrushes and flossers for gum sensitivity
Editor Favorite Orabrush Tongue Cleaner, 2-Pack
Amazon
If you're not already tongue scraping as part of your oral health routine, it might be worth picking up this two-pack of editor-favorite and expert-approved Orabrush cleaners. Wei said tongue scraping can help remove excess bacteria and odor-causing debris, but added you should scrape gently to avoid irritating the gums at the back of the mouth. I've been a longtime fan of these Orabrush cleaners, since their long handles and large heads make it easy to clean the entire tongue comfortably in just a few swipes.
$10 $9 at Amazon
Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced Powered
Amazon
Flossing is an integral piece of any oral hygiene routine since it helps target areas along the gumline your toothbrush can't reach. Though water flossers are not a replacement for manual flossing, they're a helpful tool for easily cleaning gums and helping flush out irritants that might contribute to sensitivity. Fraundorf recommended this Oral-B Water Flosser to help deep clean and detoxify below the gumline. She added that since it's cordless, you can even take it into the shower to avoid making a mess all over your bathroom mirror.
$90 $81 at Amazon
$90 at Target
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Waterpik
Wei said water flossers can be a gentle way to clean your gums if you find they're too sensitive to withstand the pressure of manual flossing. This Waterpik Aquarius flosser squirts water in pulses to help clean between teeth and along the gumline without irritation. Choose from nearly a dozen pressure settings based on your needs and comfort level, and in just 90 seconds, this flosser will deliver a safe and effective clean. Plus, it includes seven flosser tips so multiple family members can reap the benefits of investing in this tool.
$100 $80 at Amazon
$100 $80 at Walgreens
How to choose the best product for gum sensitivity
Commonly described as tenderness or soreness in the gums, especially when brushing or flossing, gum sensitivity can also present as a burning or tingling sensation. Fraundorf said people with sensitive gums might experience discomfort while eating or drinking — especially with very hot or cold items — or experience bleeding in the mouth during regular brushing and flossing.
Though gum sensitivity might be uncomfortable, it doesn't mean you should take a break from your regular oral hygiene routine. Our experts said you should still floss daily, brush twice daily and attend regular dental cleanings, but there are some modifications you can make to your at-home routine to help better address gum sensitivity. Wei said to consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush or opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent irritating the gumline. While you can still brush as normal, be sure to apply gentle pressure so as to avoid further aggravating the gums and to use small circular motions to help break up plaque.
Fraundorf recommended finding products that are specifically designed for those with sensitive gums and avoiding using anything made with harsh abrasives like hydrated silica, which is often found in whitening toothpastes. She said to look for toothpastes that contain ingredients like fluoride and potassium nitrate, which help strengthen teeth and reduce overall sensitivity. Water flossers are also great tools for deeply cleaning the gums without applying excessive force. Fraundorf added that an alcohol-free and antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce gum inflammation without further drying or irritating the mouth.
If your gum sensitivity is persistent and not improving with at-home treatments, Wei said you'll need to seek help from a dentist. Additionally, if you notice frequent bleeding or receding gums, changes in gum color or texture, loose teeth or persistent pain or discomfort in the gums, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough evaluation.
FAQs
The following FAQs have been answered by dental experts Dr. Erin Fraundorf, Dr. Naomi Goldman, Dr. Anjali Rajpal and Dr. Michael Wei.
What causes sensitive gums?
Our experts said many factors can contribute to gum sensitivity, such as poor oral hygiene, gum recession, excessive or aggressive brushing or flossing, hormonal changes, underlying gum disease and certain acidic or spicy foods; all of which can irritate the gums.
Wei said that increased gum sensitivity can also be a side effect of some medications. Dental procedures like teeth cleanings, restorations or orthodontic treatments may also result in temporary gum sensitivity. What is the best treatment for sensitive gums?
To help soothe gum sensitivity, Fraundorf said to look for products with ingredients like fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Other ingredients that can also benefit those with sensitive gums include hydroxyapatite, which remineralizes teeth, potassium nitrate, which calms nerve activity and lessens sensitivity and chlorhexidine, which helps fight bacteria and reduce gum inflammation.
Wei added that you'll want to avoid using oral care products that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, strong acids, abrasive substances or artificial additives, as these can further irritate and dry out the gums.
If you're looking for a more natural remedy, Wei said ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, green tea extract, coconut oil and vitamin E also have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with gum sensitivity. You can find these ingredients formulated in certain mouthwashes and toothpaste, including some of the ones mentioned in this article.
Before using anything new, our experts recommended consulting with your dentist to ensure the products are safe and appropriate for your specific oral health needs. What is the best electric toothbrush for sensitive gums?
Goldman said the best electric toothbrush for sensitive gums is one with a pressure indicator to help stop you from brushing too hard. 'It's important to let the brush do the work for you and just guide it over your teeth, rather than brushing with it like you would a manual toothbrush,' Goldman said.
Fraundorf agreed that you can use an electric toothbrush on sensitive gums, as long as you're using the appropriate settings and attachments. Both Fraundorf and Goldman recommend the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush series for those with gum sensitivity as the brushes have both a sensitivity setting and a sensitive brush head.
Whether you're opting for an electric or a manual toothbrush, Wei and Rajpal said you want something made with soft or extra-soft bristles to minimize any further irritation to the gums.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted four dentists on the best products to help relieve gum sensitivity at home.
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