Can You Treat Swollen Gums With Commercial Toothpastes?

If you believe the advertisers touting the advantages of various brands of dental floss, toothpastes, oral rinses and toothbrushes, you may actually be led to believe some commercial toothpaste has near magical powers! Of course, this is not exactly true. But, it does make for some compelling commercials! Unfortunately, it is the mix of suggestion liberally sprinkled with some scientific facts that causes some consumers to make unsound assumptions, leading to an overall decline in oral health.

Studies have proven any and all toothpastes (from the cheapest to the most expensive) can remove plaque. The actual removal is not done by the paste itself but by the application of manual force during brushing. For a long time those who are in the business of selling commercially available toothpastes have gone to great lengths to imitate natural pastes. However, they claim the natural pastes are devoid of many additives and are not as useful or effective. This is simply not the case.

Consumers have been led to believe toothpaste marked as having tartar control additives can rid the mouth of bacterial buildup below the gum line. This is patently false. It is true that tartar control pastes do help guard against buildup forming at the gum line or above. Many diseases leading to swollen gums, or even bleeding gums, result from bacterial accumulation at or below the gum line. For this reason it is crucial to remember when swelling is observed, it cannot be counteracted with even the highest quality tartar fighting toothpaste currently on the market.

In addition, the overwhelming majority of commercially available toothpastes contain additives which are known allergens. In some cases they are added for the sake of color while in other cases they are simply useful for adding a pleasing taste to the item. Since so many consumers equate copious suds with cleanliness, certain sudsy agents are included in the formulation of the toothpastes. This is done in hopes of making the paste more popular with the buyer. In the process, the addition of this substance leads to the side effect of dry mouth. Dry mouth is a decisive factor in the overall population explosion of anaerobic bacteria that then destroy gum and tooth health.

So, can you treat swollen gums with commercial toothpastes? The short answer is a resounding “no”. The longer answer relies on the understanding of what toothpaste can and cannot do. For this matter, the best suggestion anyone can offer today’s discerning consumer is simple. Using alternative means of preventing swollen gums is a good idea for many. Forsake the usual commercial fare and opt for organic toothpaste. It will preserve the overall health of the mouth, not upset the normal bodily processes with harsh chemicals and maintain the integrity of the bacterial landscape in the mouth. Since it is known an upset in this balance causes the overage of destructive bacteria, choosing natural over chemical is the best choice by far. It can help you prevent swollen gums and a host of other oral health problems.