I would say that the majority of the population does not like going to the dentist. I mostly don’t like going because it’s a constant reminder at how horrible I am at remembering to floss. I’ve had four different dentists in my life and each has taken a different tactic to try to remind me to floss. The latest dentist finally declared, “That’s OK. Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”
Why all the fuss about brushing and flossing? Because not doing so can allow icky bacteria to form between your tooth and the gum line, which can lead to gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis can lead to serious tooth issues, including tooth loss, if left untreated. That’s why it is important to visit your dentist twice a year, and that’s why it’s important for us to do what we can to keep gingivitis at bay. Fortunately, the folks at Crest have recently launched a new line of products to help combat and reverse gingivitis.
About Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste is the newest member of the Crest Pro-Health family, now with a new, advanced formula that provides our highest level of protection against plaque bacteria that cause gingivitis and is clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in just four weeks.
Just like other Crest Pro-Health toothpastes, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection protects against all these areas dentist check most: cavities, plaque, tartar, sensitivity, stains, and fresh breath, but now offers a newly balanced stabilized stannous fluoride chemistry that provides an increase in antibacterial power, resulting in our highest level of protection against plaque bacteria that cause gingivitis.
The Review
Going into this review, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to truly test Crest’s claims until I visited the dentist in a few months. However, since one of the warning signs of gingivitis is red and swollen gums, I could get a non-scientific gauge about whether the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste made a difference. In addition to the toothpaste, Oral-B has a Pro-Health Floss and a CrossAction Pro-Health toothbrush that you can use to help in the gum-disease-fighting process.
Taking a look at the Oral-B Cross Action Pro-Health Toothbrush, this thing is like the Cadillac of manual toothbrushes. It has virtually everything you need to help keep your mouth clean, including their CrissCross bristles that help remove up to 50% more plaque and two rows of gum stimulators. The back of the toothbrush also has a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth and breath smelling fresh.
The Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss is mint flavored and is supposed to slide into tight spaces 50% easier than other flosses. My back teeth are close together and some flosses aren’t up to the challenge and shred a little when I floss between those teeth. I did think that the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Clinical Protection floss slid easily between the back teeth to help remove plaque, which is a contributor to gingivitis.
I have been using the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste for a little over a week. As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t exactly scientific, but I have noticed that my gums aren’t bleeding as much when I floss. Bleeding gums is sometimes a symptom of gingivitis, so no blood is a good thing. Even better is that according to Crest, it the toothpaste is clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in just four weeks. Who could say “no” to that. Another thing I like about this toothpaste is that in addition to it’s gingivitis-fighting power, it still has all of the things I look for in a toothpaste, including addressing tooth sensitivity and whitening. The clean mint flavor is fresh, and mildly vanilla-ish to me. It has a clean after-taste but isn’t quite as minty as some other mint flavors I’ve tasted, which means my water actually tastes somewhat like water when I drink after I brush.
Whether we want to admit it or not, flossing is actually a critical part of preventing gum disease. Fortunately, by using a toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste as part of a daily tooth cleaning regimen (and don’t forget to floss, floss, floss!) we will be able to help our mouth stay clean, fresh smelling, and disease-free!
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Online
- Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Website
- Watch Dr. Travis Stork and dental hygienist Amy Hazlewood talk about gingivitis
The WiC Project – Crest Pro-Health Gum Protection Giveaway
The Prize:
One lucky winner will receive a special gingivitis-fighting product package containing Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Toothpaste, Oral-B Glide Clinical Gum Protection Floss, and an Oral-B CrossAction Pro-Health toothbrush.
This giveaway ended on October 5, 2010 and is now closed.
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive free Crest Pro-health products from the manufacturer or representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
It only takes a few hours for plaque to begin building up on your teeth after a cleaning.
I follow via google reader.
I learned that Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease
I’m a subscriber
already subscribed to WiC Project via email.
Many people who take good care of their teeth still get gum diease.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Gingivitis can lead to serious tooth issues, including tooth loss, if left untreated.
Actually, I already knew that. I’m a good flosser. BTW, If you floss all the time, you shouldn’t have bleeding problems. Good oral care can help prevent other problems in the body such as heart disease, too.
Already an email subscriber.
I learned that Once plaque hardens and turns into tartar, it can’t be removed with regular brushing. A dental professional will use tools that aren’t available for home use that can remove serious tartar build-up
I subscribe by email
Learned that pregnant women are most susceptible to gingivitis
Wic Project email subscriber!
I learned that Stress is another one of many causes of gingivitis. Constant stress can weaken your immune system and negatively impact your ability to fight infection. I didn’t know stress could lead to gingivitis!
I am an email subscriber
I learned that flossing (and from my dentist) that a waterpik is a huge help
Its caused by toxins from plaque.
I learned gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease!
I learned… When a filling gets weak, plaque can build up more easily and cause tooth decay.
Rinse thoroughly after brushing with an anti-bacterial rinse, such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse. It contains a clinically proven anti-microbial agent, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), which is attracted to bacteria in your mouth, making it effective at fighting plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
e-mail subscriber
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
a common sign of gingevitus is constant bad taste in mouth as well as red tender gums
email subscriber
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
I learned that their products can help reverse gingivitis in as little as 2 weeks.
I am an email subscriber.
Wow, I didn’t know it was bacteria that caused it. I thought it was from sugar and what not.
I had no idea that I am more suseptable now that I am pregnant to to getting Gingivitis.
Thanks for the chance.
[email protected]
I follow you..
I learned that even if you don’t notice any signs of gingivitis, you can still have it. Your dentist can look for subtle signs you may not notice. This is one reason why regular dental check ups are important.
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
I subscribe to the Wic project via e-mail
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
sounds like a great prize
bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
e-mail subscriber
I learned that the condition is most likely to develop in adults aged 30 years and older.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
Subscriber in reader.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I learned that the condition is most likely to develop in adults aged 30 years and older
I learned that gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease.
I am an email subscriber.
pregnant women are most likely to get gingivitus
following you on google
people who take good care of their teeth still get gum diease
I learned that plaque can build up on your teeth in just a few hours after having a professional cleaning…that’s serious business!
i learned that it causes bad breath
I receive your emails!
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease.
Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. I know this for a fact because I am now wearing an upper denture.
smchester at gmail dot com
Avoid cigarettes or chewing tobacco to prevent gingivitis.
email subscriber
I learned that the key is removing plaque, and that starts with good brushing habits. But it’s also essential to have the right products for the job.
I subscribe via email.
Preagnet women are most likely to get it!
I subscribe by email!
I learned that if not taken seriously enough, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease that will require more comprehensive gum disease treatment. I think I should go floss right now! Thank you for the great give-away.
I learned that pregnant women are at the highest risk for gingivitis.
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
I subscribe via email. Thank you!
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
If it is left untreated it can contribute to heart disease!
Awesome contest! Thanks for entering me!
Janna Johnson
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http://www.feedyourpigblog.com
Bleeding gums is a sign of
gingivitis
Emil subscriber
I learned that I learned that gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease.
I see that improving your toothbrushing technique may be the only gingivitis cure you need. Be sure to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and brush using short strokes. Don’t forget to brush the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth.
I subscribe via email at annmarieweeks at verizon dot net!
I learned that pregnant women are most susceptible to getting gingivitis
I am an email subscriber
Crest pro-health clinical toothpaste helps reverse gingivitis in as little as two weeks
I learned that what causes gingivitis is when the toxins produced by the plaque build-up around your teeth begin to irritate the gums and cause them to become red and inflamed.
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net
Gingivitis can release bacteria into the bloodstream and affect the heart.
Smoking can lead to gingivitis. Wow, who knew?
WOW… I just learned the pregnant women are more likely to get gingivitis…
email subscriber…
I learned that Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss is our most advanced floss ever. It helps reverse gingivitis in 2 weeks as part of a comprehensive dental health routine.
I learned that after a professional teeth cleaning that it only takes a few hours for plaque to start rebuilding on our teeth.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com.
Gingivitis, a mild and reversible form of gum disease
I Subscribe to email
learned plaque can build up on your teeth in just a few hours even after a professional cleaning – aren’t humans wonderful, stupid nature
I learned that their products can help reverse gingivitis in as little as 2 weeks
[email protected]
Gingivitis is an irreversible gum disease.
dancejamboree at gmail dot com
I subscribe to the WIC project by email
That taking care of youre body and reducing stress helps youre immune system to fight off diseases like gingivitis
email subscriber
getting newsletter via e mail
a common sign of gingavitus is constant bad taste in mouth
I learned that millions of people suffer from gingivitis, which is caused by plaque build-up.
I learned gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease
s2s2 at comcast dot net
Stress can trigger gingivitis.
I learned Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. suelee1998 @ gmail.com
I follow your blog via gfc suelee1998 @ gmail.com
I learned that one sign of gingivitis is red or swollen gums.
chrystaljns (at) gmail (dotcom)
I learned that Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste can reverse damage that has already occured
I learned that Stress is another one of many causes of gingivitis
Gingivitis can impact both the tissue and bones that support your teeth.
I learned that once plaque hardens and turns into tartar, it can’t be removed with regular brushing.
Google Reader subscriber.
Specifically, what causes gingivitis is when the toxins produced by the plaque build-up around your teeth begin to irritate the gums and cause them to become red and inflamed
klp1965(AT)myfairpoint(DOTNET)
RSS Google feed subscriber klp1965(AT)myfairpoint(DOTNET)
…email subscriber:
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
I learned stress can contribute to gingivitis. Had no idea. :O
Email subscriber. 🙂
I learned that gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. [email protected]
Many people who take good care of their teeth still get gum disease.
I learned what causes gingivitis is when the toxins produced by the plaque build-up around your teeth begin to irritate the gums and cause them to become red and inflamed
I subscribed to The WiC Project via email
WIN WIN WIN!!!
This toothpaste caused extreme pain and a broken tooth in less than two weeks of use. I do not recommend it. I do recommend staying away from it. P&G is sending a coupon for a FREE tube of Crest. How generous, don’t you think?
Hi Carol, Thanks for sharing your comments and I’m sorry to hear about your negative experience.
I’m no dentist, but I’m 100% certain that a toothpaste cannot cause a broken tooth. It sounds like there may be some other serious dental problems and recommend you visit your dentist ASAP.
Best Wishes,
Miriam
Crest pro health tooth paste also caused my gums to swell, a tooth broke and the skin in my mouth sloughs off . Also had canker sores.. I still have awful pain in my mouth like a chemical burn from this product. This tooth paste is going to cost me a ton of money in dental procedures
I experienced burning underneath both sides of my tongue and inside of my bottom lip. I couldn’t eat or drink properly because the burn was rubbing right up against my teeth. I have never been allergic to a product, medicine, or food, etc. I have only pollen allergies. I have used Crest products before without a reaction. People, this is not an irritation, it is a burn that can last almost 4 days before it will clear up. I proved it to myself by stopping the product, using it again, then stopping again. This was all done within the two weeks of buying the product. I have exceptionally looking teeth, and gums. My dental reports have and still are remarkable so it is not how I take care of my mouth. Hopefully more people will complain and they will remove it off the market till they find out what is causing this burning to happen.
I’ve had the same reaction.. and it gets worse with each use. I have stopped using the product. There is something really wrong here.
I had the same reaction in June. It got so bad that I went to the ER and they diagnosed me with a salivary infection and gave me an antibiotic which cleared it right up. I started using it again last Friday and I am having the same problem. My throat hurts, the back of my tongue is sore, and it hurts to swallow. The last time I had white spots under my tongue and on the side of my mouth and my lips were swollen and burning.
I thought I was having serious problems and realized Pro Health toothpaste and gargle was the culprit…burning, can’t taste food right, Metallic taste all the time..As an RN, it scared me to death and had made a doctors appointment thinking I was Thyroid, Diabetes of something..Throw this product out! Still have problems after a week and realize my “FLOSS” is also Pro Health!!, too! I am reporting this product!
I just started using the crest pro-health mouth wash and the bottom of my tongue is badly burned. The skin is starting to peel from the skinny piece of skin that connects the tongue to the bottom of your mouth. Never going to use this again. BEWARE!!!
Hi, my name is Kathy and I work for Crest. Thanks for sharing your experiences. We’d really like to talk to everyone in more detail. Would you mind giving us a ring at our toll free number 1(800) 594-4158? Thanks again, Kathy
This is the worse product I ever used. the burning upf my upper gums, white coating on my tounge, I am in so much pain I am crying.
My front tooth feels like it will break. Can not get into my dentist until Tuesday.
I can’t tell you the stress and anxiety this is causing me, the pain is terrible. I am on a blood thinner, so cant even take aleve
Is there anything you can recommend to make the burning gum and tooth pain stop?
Betty
I have been using this toothpaste for a week and it’s going in the trash tonight! I have swollen lips inside and out with red rash looking area inside. Looks like I’m going to get canker sores or else it is a burn. My mouth is also very extremely dry now. I will never use this again. This is the first time I’ve had a reaction to toothpaste. Going back to my usual Colgate.
My bottom lip is so swollen in the morning, but gets less swollen as the day goes on. My tongue feels like I burnt it on something hot and feels like I bit up the inside of my cheeks. Glad I read this website and realize im not alone and that it is the toothpaste.
I’ve used the Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum toothpaste and it seemed to do me good. Prior to using it, my dentist had diagnosed me with periodontal disease w/pockets ranging from 3-5. Give or take, I really don’t floos. But, I’ve since used the Crest Clinical Gum toothpast AND also flossed (though flossing not 100% everyday … but at least it has become part of my regimen). Anyway, a year later AND after 2 full deep cleans, I come back to the dentist and the pockets now range from 2-4. So I think there was some good. I can’t say totally it is from the toothpaste since I’ve also included the flossing in my regimen. But I do like the toothpaste … as when I ran out and went back to a normal toothpaste like Colgate Total, I can tell the difference … it feels like I’m not totally clean. The thing I don’t like though is the toothpaste is more on the expensive side. But Rite Aid frequently does promotions on it. As for previous comments about teeth cracking and such, there is an argument about whether fluoride is or not good for teeth. Some contend that fluoride is really dangerous to teeth because it makes it brittle. I don’t know.
I also experienced burning inside my bottom lip, it was very painful, developed canker sores, my bottom lip swelled, and the skin inside my mouth peeled. I only used the toothpaste for 3 days and threw it out. I’ve never had a reaction like this before except from Pro Health products. My lower left lip continues to swell on and off even after I have stopped using it.
I experienced an awful peeling of my skin in mouth for the past 6 months now. I was worried I was developing some sort of infection or horrible dental issues. I would notice the symptoms got worse after i brushed more frequently. It would be like layers upon layers of the inside of my mouth are gathering i would literally have to stick my fingers in my mouth and remove this film/dead skin. My taste buds became desensitized as well. to my ASTONISHMENT there have been thousands of complaints by crest pro health toothpaste consumers with the same side effects. I am beyond horrified that with this many consumer complaints that a product of this kind can still be on the market.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
If you experience any discomfort or problems, please contact Crest to help them address any issues.
The number was provided by Kathy, from Crest, in an earlier comment and I’m commenting with it here again: 1(800) 594-4158.
Crest pro-health is a horrible product!! My mouth shed sheets of tissue and my gums became very sore. I used this for 3-4 weeks and went to my dentist who told me to stop.. I am very disappointed because I’ve always liked Crest products in the past. Pat
Have been having similar problems with swollen, raw lips when I wake up. Also everything tastes funny for quite awhile after I use. Googled this to see if it was just me. Thanks for verifying. I will toss. Would like to know what was in it to cause this. I thought maybe some kind of acid. Maybe the antibiotic.
Having the same reactions as those quoted above… I’ve used regular Crest my whole life and never had a problem… there is obviously something in the Pro-Health series that is causing this. I will contact Kathy at Crest (the 800 number that was posted) and see if she can help.
I also had problems with this toothpaste. My lips swelled to twice their normal size, my uvula swelled, and I had difficulty swallowing and breathing. I also developed sores on the inside of my lips, on the uvula, and on my tongue.
Bought crest pro health and my 7year old and I both used it. He developed 4 horrible canker sores in his mouth that he ended up getting put on antibiotics 4. He never had 1 canker sore before. When he went 2 his Dentist 2 follow up they asked what toothpaste did he use and I said crest pro health. He said to stop using it because pro health toothpaste is know 4 causing canker sores!!! I thought maybe it happened because he was 2 young 2 use it until I tried it again on myself and what do you know I have a horrible canker sore myself now!!! My 1st ever and I’m 30! It is very painful, my poor son. It’s going in the trash
I’ve been using this product for over a year. My dentist & I have been working on the health of my gums for months now. At my most recent dental appt my dentist congratulated me on the health of my gums. The invigorating mint flavor is my favorite compared to all the other flavors in the Pro Health line. My whole family loves & uses it.
I switched from Toms Natural to Crest for literally, a weekend. And now I have what looks like full blown gingivitis after having perfectly healthy white strong teeth my entire life. The chemicals in this crap is horrific and are completely pointless. We would be better off brushing with baking soda and peroxide. I’ve NEVER in my life experienced the pain, swelling, and immense bleeding in my gums that I got when I used crest. Where my gums hurt the worst, I also got dry skin on my face near my mouth where it rests against my gums.
Horrifying, absolutely horrifying. After doing research, freaking out that I had developed gingivitis over night, I found I’m not the only one to have this experience from conventional toothpastes. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/cosmetics/colgate.html
When I was using chemical products on my body regularly, it worked fine, but after removing all chemicals from my routine, adding them back in causes a severe allergic reaction. Also, my health and allergies have never been better since removing all chemical laden products from my life. Think twice before using these horrible chemicals on your body (especially skin products – your skins is your largest organ and VERY good at absorbing substances VERY fast)
And I’m not a granola crunching birkenstock hippie, just someone who has suffered for years from false advertising by companies pumping out chemicals that your body will become dependent on.
Baking soda will whiten your teeth, and rinsing your mouth with Magnesium Oil will help strengthen and repair your gums. Mag oil helped heal the painful experience of using Crest toothpaste for THREE DAYS. Didn’t believe it myself until I tried it, and now I’ll never go back to the disgusting chemicals that are peddled to us.