Gingivitis

Overview

SupplementDEX lists two supplements studied for gingivitis across 12 trials. Zinc has the strongest evidence profile (medium effect size, very high evidence, medium trust, WA 68), with most research focused on zinc in toothpaste or mouthwash—especially zinc citrate—where it may help reduce gum inflammation and limit plaque and tartar buildup. Some studies report modest tartar reductions, though stannous influenzaoride products appeared more effective for plaque control in comparisons.

Apple Cider Vinegar has low ratings across all dimensions (WA 40) and no supporting studies in this dataset. It remains uncertain whether it helps gingivitis, and more research is needed. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for supplement-by-supplement detail.

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Zinc	★★★★★	Medium

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Studies

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ZincView supplement →

Consider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeMediumEvidenceVery HighTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains zinc may help reduce gum inflammation (gingivitis) and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Most research shows these products—especially those with zinc citrate, sometimes combined with triclosan—help keep gums healthier.
In one study, using a zinc citrate toothpaste three times a day for 3 months lowered tartar by 14% compared with a placebo.
However, other studies found that toothpaste with stannous fluoride worked even better at controlling plaque.
Zinc‑based toothpastes and mouthwashes are helpful options to support gum health and reduce plaque formation.

Browse 12 studies

RCTComparison of a stabilized stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice and a zinc citrate dentifrice on plaque formation measured by digital plaque imaging (DPIA) with white light illumination2008n=21

In 21 adults, a stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice reduced overnight plaque by 25% versus a zinc citrate dentifrice in a two-week DPIA comparison study.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 2 weeks
Population: Adults
Participants: 21

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RCTA study into the plaque-inhibitory activity of experimental toothpaste formulations containing antimicrobial agents2005n=24

In 24 volunteers using toothpaste slurry rinses over 96 hours without brushing, two zinc citrate/triclosan formulations did not significantly outperform a conventional fluoride control on plaque accumulation.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 96 hours
Participants: 24

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Controlled trialEfficacy of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate for the control of plaque and gingivitis: a 6-month clinical study in adults1998n=99

In 99 adults over 6 months, a 2% zinc citrate dentifrice reduced plaque by 25.3% and gingivitis by 18.8% versus control, with 66.7% reduction in severe gingivitis.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 2% zinc citrate
Population: Adults
Participants: 99

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RCTThe comparative clinical efficacy of pyrophosphate/triclosan, copolymer/triclosan and zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrices for the reduction of supragingival calculus formation1997n=544

In 544 adults followed 4 months after prophylaxis, a zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrice reduced supragingival calculus severity by 17–19% and occurrence by 12–13% versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 4 months
Dose: 0.5% zinc citrate trihydrate
Population: Adults
Participants: 544

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RCTThe effect of mouthrinses containing zinc and triclosan on plaque accumulation, development of gingivitis and formation of calculus in a 28-week clinical test1996

Over 28 weeks, zinc sulphate/triclosan mouthrinses maintained significantly lower plaque, calculus, and gingival bleeding than a control rinse, though initial post-prophylaxis gains waned in all groups.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 28 weeks
Dose: 0.4% zinc sulphate

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RCTThe effect of three commercially available dentifrices containing triclosan on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis: a six month clinical study1994n=194

In 194 adults over 6 months, only a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis versus placebo; triclosan/zinc citrate and triclosan/pyrophosphate products did not.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Population: Adults
Participants: 194

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RCTThe effects of a silica dentifrice containing Triclosan and zinc citrate on supragingival plaque and calculus formation and the control of gingivitis1993

A 7-month trial found a triclosan plus 0.75% zinc citrate dentifrice significantly reduced gingivitis, plaque, and supragingival calculus versus a fluoride control dentifrice.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 7 months
Dose: 0.75% zinc citrate

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Narrative reviewZinc in etiology of periodontal disease1993

A mechanistic review proposed that zinc deficiency in gingiva increases epithelial permeability to bacteria, linking altered zinc-copper balance to periodontal inflammation.

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RCTAnticalculus effect of a dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate trihydrate1991n=1,600

In 964 adults over 3 months, a 0.5% zinc citrate dentifrice reduced mean calculus scores by 13.7% versus control, a statistically significant anticalculus effect with no adverse events.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 3 months
Dose: 0.5% zinc citrate
Population: Adults
Participants: 1,600
Ages: 18+

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Clinical trialControl of gingivitis and calculus by a dentifrice containing a zinc salt and triclosan1990

Over 6 months, a dentifrice with 0.5% zinc citrate and 0.2% triclosan maintained significantly lower gingival bleeding and calculus than a control paste, though plaque differences were not significant at P = 0.05.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 0.5% zinc citrate

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Controlled trialSix-month study of the effect of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate and triclosan on plaque, gingival health, and calculus1990n=101

In 101 adults over 6 months, a zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrice kept plaque and gingival bleeding below control levels and significantly reduced calculus at 3 and 6 months after initial hygiene instruction.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 0.5% zinc citrate
Population: Adults
Participants: 101

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Clinical trialEffects of a zinc citrate mouthwash on dental plaque and salivary bacteria1980

A crossover trial found zinc citrate mouthwash significantly reduced plaque versus placebo over 7 days, but the mean reduction was small and salivary bacterial counts did not decrease.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 7 days

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Evidence visualised

Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.

Purchase-guidance distribution

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Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 1 supplements for gingivitis (12 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
Zinc	★★★★★68%	12	0	100%

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Overview

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