광동치올 vs 잇치: Comparing Korean Toothpaste-Style Gum Medicines

Hello, I'm Dad Pharmacist.

​

At the pharmacy, many customers who say their gums are often swollen and bleeding ask about gum medications that you squeeze out and apply like toothpaste — and a very common follow-up question is "What's the difference between this one and that one?" The two most representative products are 광동치올 and 잇치. Since both are over-the-counter medications, it's easy to get confused. So today I'd like to give you a proper comparison, including my own impressions from actually using them.

광동치올 is a single-ingredient product containing hinokitiol, while 잇치 is a combination product containing herbal ingredients — myrrh, rhatany, and chamomile. The two products have different approved ingredient compositions.

​

Looking at the approved indications, 광동치올 includes relief of gingivitis, stomatitis, glossitis, pericoronitis, and alveolar pyorrhea, while 잇치 includes relief of gum redness, swelling, bleeding, and discharge caused by gingivitis and alveolar pyorrhea. The dosage amounts also differ: the approved dosage is 3 cm for 잇치 and 1 cm for 광동치올.

​

I tried 광동치올 for the first time this time around. Thanks to the menthol scent, there's an overall refreshing, cooling sensation. Perhaps because of the active ingredient, I also noticed a slightly bitter taste.

​

The amount per use is 1 cm, which looks so small you might wonder "Is this really enough?" — but when I actually used it, I personally found it lathered quite well and the feel was better than expected. Personally, I was fairly satisfied with it.

​

There are also differences in the packaging. 잇치 comes in a plastic tube, whereas 광동치올 uses aluminum packaging, which has a note saying "press from the back" to help squeeze out the last of the product. In that way, they resemble each other somewhat — like 비판텐 and 동아판테놀연고. Aluminum is slightly less convenient, but it has the advantage of preventing air and contaminants from getting in.

​

Neither product contains fluoride. If you also want to take care of cavity prevention, you might consider using your regular toothpaste alongside these products.

​

What about tooth sensitivity? These products are not formulated specifically to address sensitivity — they do not contain dedicated sensitivity-relief ingredients such as potassium nitrate. If you have both gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity, it is safer to inform your pharmacist of any other medications you are using and have them check for you.

​

If symptoms persist after using either product for several days, or if you experience a rash or itching after application, stop using it and consult a pharmacist or doctor. In some cases, if gum swelling has persisted for a long time, dental treatment such as scaling may be the more appropriate first step.

Also note that the twist-off cap can be a little inconvenient, but this is unavoidable given that both products are over-the-counter medications.

​

Q. Can 잇치 be used instead of regular toothpaste? 잇치 is not a toothpaste — it is an over-the-counter medication for relieving gum symptoms. Since it contains no fluoride, it cannot provide cavity prevention, so rather than replacing your regular toothpaste, you might consider using it alongside one.

​

Q. Which is stronger — 광동치올 or 잇치? It's difficult to say definitively that one is stronger than the other. The ingredients themselves are fundamentally different — hinokitiol (a single ingredient) versus a herbal combination. It is best to compare the approved indications of each product and choose the one that suits your particular symptoms.

​

Q. Can children or pregnant women use these? For children, both products state they should be used under the supervision of a guardian. If you are pregnant or taking other medications, it is advisable to check with a pharmacist before use.

​

Q. Is it okay to apply it on sensitive teeth? These products are intended for relieving gum inflammation and are not designed to address tooth sensitivity itself. If sensitivity is your main symptom, a product specifically formulated for sensitive teeth may be more appropriate.

To summarize: 광동치올 covers a broader range from gum issues to stomatitis, while 잇치 is a combination-type product focused more on gum swelling and bleeding. Neither contains fluoride, so please take care of cavity prevention separately with your regular toothpaste.

​

Our Dad Pharmacist pharmacy is open every day of the year until 10 p.m. When choosing a gum medication, if you let us know what medications you are currently taking or what symptoms you have, we will be happy to check with you. This has been Dad Pharmacist.

​

This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee the efficacy or effectiveness of any specific product, nor does it promise diagnosis or treatment of any disease. Appropriate usage may vary depending on an individual's health condition and medications being taken; please be sure to consult a pharmacist or doctor before use.