TheraBreath presented eight clinical research studies at the 104th IADR General Session in 2026, reporting that its Healthy Gums Toothpaste reduced gum bleeding by 70% versus baseline after 12 weeks and virtually eliminated bad breath in up to 95% of participants. The data, which compared TheraBreath formulations against Crest Regular Toothpaste, covers gum health, plaque prevention, malodor reduction, whitening, and enamel protection.
As of June 2026, oral care companies are increasingly investing in clinical evidence to differentiate their products in a competitive market. TheraBreath, owned by Church & Dwight, made a significant push at IADR 2026 by presenting the largest batch of clinical data in the brand's history. For dental professionals across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, these findings have direct implications for patient recommendations and at-home oral hygiene protocols.
What TheraBreath Presented at IADR 2026
The eight studies spanned three product lines: TheraBreath Healthy Gums (stannous fluoride formulation), TheraBreath Whitening, and TheraBreath Sensitive. The studies used a range of methodologies including randomized controlled trials and intra-oral appliance (IOA) models to evaluate clinical outcomes across multiple measures.
The headline results came from the Healthy Gums SnF₂ line, which was compared head-to-head against Crest Regular (sodium fluoride) toothpaste across several studies.
Gum Bleeding Reduction: 70% Improvement Over 12 Weeks
In a 12-week plaque and gingivitis study, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Toothpaste reduced gum bleeding by 70% compared to baseline. The formulation outperformed Crest Regular at every measured time point, with results reaching statistical significance (p<0.0001). After eight weeks, 100% of participants using the TheraBreath product showed at least a 50% improvement in bleeding scores.
For dental professionals managing patients with early-stage gingivitis, these numbers warrant attention. Gingival bleeding remains one of the most common findings during routine examinations, and recommending evidence-backed products strengthens both clinical outcomes and patient trust.
Pro Tip: When recommending at-home oral care products to patients, citing specific clinical data — such as the 70% bleeding reduction at 12 weeks — can improve compliance. Patients respond better to concrete numbers than general advice like "brush more carefully."
Plaque Prevention: 139% More Effective at the Gumline
A separate plaque prevention study found that TheraBreath Healthy Gums prevented 65% more plaque buildup than Crest Regular on the first day of use. By Day 14, the difference widened to 139% greater effectiveness at the gumline — the area most relevant to periodontal health.
The gumline plaque accumulation data is particularly relevant for dental hygienists counselling patients on subgingival plaque control between maintenance appointments. Products that demonstrate superior plaque inhibition at the sulcular margin may help extend the clinical benefit of professional cleanings.
Malodor Control: 93% to 95% Elimination Rate
In a seven-day malodor reduction study, TheraBreath Healthy Gums virtually eliminated bad breath in 93% to 95% of participants at peak time points. By comparison, only 4% to 6% of participants using Crest Regular achieved similar results. Across all time points measured, the TheraBreath formulation reduced oral malodor by a minimum of 70% from baseline.
Halitosis remains one of the most common patient concerns raised during dental appointments, and it often serves as a proxy for broader oral health anxieties. Having reliable product recommendations backed by controlled study data helps dental professionals address these concerns with confidence.
Whitening Results Without Peroxide
The TheraBreath Whitening line was evaluated in a separate stain removal study comparing it against Crest Regular Toothpaste over six weeks. The whitening formulation reduced surface stains 50% better after two weeks and 65% better after six weeks — without using peroxide.
For practices in the GTA offering cosmetic consultations, peroxide-free whitening options are increasingly requested by patients concerned about sensitivity. Having a clinically tested option to recommend for maintenance between professional whitening sessions fills a practical gap in at-home care protocols.
What the Data Covers — and What It Does Not
While the headline results from studies 1 through 3 and study 6 are compelling, TheraBreath provided limited public detail on the remaining four studies presented at IADR 2026. These included a modified PGRM study and three intra-oral appliance studies across the Healthy Gums, Whitening, and Sensitive product lines. Full poster presentations are available through hygienesquad.com for dental professionals seeking deeper methodology and data.
It is also worth noting that these studies compared TheraBreath products against Crest Regular (a standard sodium fluoride toothpaste) rather than against premium competitor products with similar active ingredients. Stannous fluoride is a well-established antimicrobial fluoride with decades of clinical evidence supporting its gingival benefits. The comparison baseline should inform how dental professionals interpret the magnitude of the reported differences.
Pro Tip: Before recommending any new oral care product to patients, review the study methodology and comparison product. A head-to-head comparison against a basic NaF toothpaste tells a different story than a comparison against another SnF₂ formulation.
Implications for Canadian Dental Practices
Canadian dental professionals, particularly those in Ontario governed by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), are expected to provide evidence-informed recommendations. TheraBreath's IADR data package gives dental teams a referenced basis for product conversations during hygiene appointments and recall visits.
The growing emphasis on preventive care under programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) also makes at-home oral hygiene product recommendations more relevant. As more patients enter the dental system through public coverage, establishing effective home care routines becomes an integral part of long-term oral health management.
Practices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, and Vaughan seeing increased patient volumes through the CDCP can use these findings to standardize their product recommendation protocols. Recommending products with published clinical evidence also strengthens documentation in the event of any patient care inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does TheraBreath Healthy Gums Toothpaste compare to Crest Regular for gum health?
According to clinical data presented at IADR 2026, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Toothpaste reduced gum bleeding by 70% versus baseline after 12 weeks and outperformed Crest Regular at every measured time point. The formulation also prevented 139% more plaque buildup at the gumline by Day 14.
Q: Can TheraBreath Whitening toothpaste remove stains without peroxide?
Clinical studies presented at IADR 2026 showed that TheraBreath Whitening Toothpaste reduced surface stains 50% better than Crest Regular after two weeks and 65% better after six weeks, without using peroxide. This makes it an option for patients who experience sensitivity with peroxide-based whitening products.
Q: Where can dental professionals access the full TheraBreath IADR 2026 study data?
Full poster presentations from all eight TheraBreath clinical studies presented at the 104th IADR General Session are available through hygienesquad.com. The studies cover gum health, plaque prevention, malodor reduction, whitening, and enamel protection.
EBIKO Dental will continue monitoring developments in oral care product research and evidence-based recommendations relevant to Canadian dental professionals. For dental supplies and clinical products, visit ebiko.ca.