Toothpaste for preventing gingivitis? do those toothpastes and mouthwashes that claim to fight tartar also help prevent gingivitis? are they really better than regular toothpastes?

Yes: It is not the paste alone. It is usually also how well you clean your teeth.

It's all marketing: No matter what toothpaste you use, brushing and removing plaque at the gumline is what prevents gingivitis. Always use a Fluoride containing toothpaste but it really doesn't matter which one. Use the one that tastes and feels the best to you. Most tartar control toothpastes help prevent tartar formation but tartar will still build up over time. Get your teeth cleaned 2x/year to remove tartar.

Prevent Gingivitis: They're not better just different they contain a chemical that keeps the calcium in your saliva from hardening in your plaque. If you brush well enough the plaque will not build up to be able to solidify into tartar. If you do have an excessive amount of buildup you should have your systemic ph checked. Your body ph can be too acidic leading calcium to be leached out of your bones.