Top 10 Best Mouthwashes for Gums in the UK 2021

Mouthwash usually comes in the form of a liquid, which you gargle or swish around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. It has three main benefits: freshens your breath, loosens debris between teeth, and prevents the build-up of plaque (one of the main causes of tooth decay).

Mouthwash is beneficial for gum health because it can clean areas that your toothbrush may not be able to reach. You can also choose a formula that corresponds to your oral hygiene needs - for example, there are rehydrating mouthwashes for dry gums or ones with strengthening ingredients if you have weak teeth.

So, let's run through what you should look out for when deciding on a mouthwash to buy. Factors that we'll cover include the pros and cons of common ingredients, how to pick a child-friendly product, and which flavour to choose.

In this section we'll look at ingredients that are commonly found in mouthwash, such as fluoride, ethanol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and essential oils. This will help you to make an informed decision about which product will work best with your gums.

Fluoride is a common ingredient in both toothpaste and mouthwash products, as it can help to strengthen sensitive teeth. By slowing the breakdown of enamel (the outer layer of a tooth), it can prevent the build-up of bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay.

However, some people prefer to avoid fluoride due to the fact that it's a chemical and there are some health concerns over ingesting it. Whilst it's recommended that we spit mouthwash out after using it, small amounts may still be accidentally ingested. 

Over time, the ingested fluoride may cause "fluorosis", where the teeth permanently turn brown or mottled as a result of a lack of enamel mineralisation. Although this isn't a guaranteed consequence of using a fluoride product, you still might prefer to choose something with more natural ingredients.

Another ingredient that's typically found in mouthwash is ethanol, a type of alcohol used as both a preservative and a carrier for the formula's other active ingredients. However, those who often experience a dry mouth (known as xerostomia) or have sore gums should avoid this ingredient, as it can cause irritation and further discomfort. 

Instead, try an alcohol-free mouthwash that will still leave you with fresh breath but won't dry your gums out. There are even formulas that are designed especially for people with dry mouths - these contain enzymes which can mimic the sensation of saliva and make your mouth feel moisturised! 

For children, those who abstain from alcohol for personal reasons, and people with religious beliefs that prohibit alcoholic products, we also suggest this type of mouthwash as an alternative.

Even with regular brushing, substances like plaque (a sticky bacterial film) can form on your teeth after meals - this can turn into tartar, which causes discolouration, if left to harden. Anti-bacterial ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine can help to reduce plaque and control the onset of receding or bleeding gums, as well as preventing bad breath.

Essential oils such as menthol, eucalyptus, and thyme also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can penetrate the plaque biofilm and inhibit bacterial growth. Plus, they leave your mouth feeling nice and fresh!

As we've just mentioned, alcohol-based mouthwash is a no-no for little ones, as it can be very harmful if ingested. Similarly, fluoride-based products can cause fluorosis if a child's teeth are not yet fully developed. 

Luckily, there are mouthwashes out there that are designed specifically for children, with a gentle formula that won't damage their baby teeth. Choosing one of these products ensures that your kids will be safe when swishing. You should also make sure to always supervise your little ones, in case they accidentally swallow some of the product. 

Now that you know what to look out for in a mouthwash, it's time to check out our favourites! From strong minty formulas to soothing alcohol-free products, our list of top picks will suit a range of budgets and needs.

If we've got you thinking about more ways to improve your dental hygiene then you should check out some of our other oral health-related product guides. As always, we provide a great range of choices for every budget and taste, so you'll be sure to find something suitable!

Whether you're looking for an intense minty flavour or something soothing for sore gums, we hope you've found our guide helpful in your quest to choose the perfect mouthwash. Pop one of our suggestions into your basket and we guarantee you'll have amazing oral hygiene from now on!

Author: Nicola McClements