In their initial stages, receding gums are considered to be harmless and non-fatal. Receding gums is a fairly common condition with nearly 50% of the population(1) showing one or more sites of gingival recession equivalent to 1mm or more. The condition worsens with age as nearly 88% of those within the age bracket of 65 years and older display signs of receding gums. Interestingly, the gingival recession was observed in those who followed good oral hygiene practices as well.
In this article, let us take a closer look at receding gums, its causes, and how to treat receding gums. Read on to know everything you need to know about the gingival recession.
Did You Know? Receding gums increases the possibility of tooth loss by nearly 70%!
Receding gums, or gingival recession, is a condition where the gums pull away from the tooth surface, which results in the exposure of the root of your teeth. The deposition of plaque in the gap could catalyze and aggravate the gum recession. It is a type of periodontal (gum-related) disease, which, when untreated, could result in the loss of teeth!
Some of the common symptoms that indicate receding gums include:
There could be a number of factors that contribute to gingival recession. These include:
Here are a few quick and easy natural remedies on how to stop receding gums.
Essential oil promotes health and well-being amongst those who are looking for a cure. Here is how you can use them for how to heal receding gums
The cooling sensation offered by eucalyptus oil does more than help relaxing the mind – it can also help you deal with a number of health ailments.
Studies have indicated that eucalyptus oil possesses anti-inflammatory and germicidal properties. As a result, eucalyptus oil not only reduces the inflammation and soothes down the gums but it also stimulates the regeneration of gum tissues.
NOTE: As coconut oil is also effective for treating receding gums, you could mix coconut oil with eucalyptus essential oil before applying it to your gums.
Do this twice a week and observe its effects until the end.
[Read: Essential Oils for Receding Gums]
Peppermint or spearmint oil once again offers a unique fragrance and flavor. It is one of the most potent essential oils for receding gums.
In Ancient Greek mythology, it is believed that the nymph ‘Mentha’ angered the Queen Persephone so much that she transformed her into a plant that leaves behind a powerful smell when it is touched.
According to an article published in the European Journal of Dentistry, peppermint oil prevents the growth and buildup of microorganisms in the mouth. As such, it prevents the gum recession(2) from spreading.
Do this daily before you go to bed.
A number of home remedies for receding gums have been going around. However, here are a few that are not only backed by science but actually work.
Green tea not only benefits your body but can also help with your receding gums. Learn how.
Green tea is 30% polyphenols by weight.
Studies have suggested that drinking green tea regularly can promote bone and gum health(3). Additionally, it also works as a preventive measure as it wards off any kind of gum disease.
Drink one to two cups of green tea daily for a noticeable difference.
[ Read: Remove Tartar Naturally ]
While it is a well-known fact that aloe vera can significantly benefit the skin, aloe vera is also used for curing receding gums.
According to a study conducted in 2009(4), applying aloe vera gel to the gums have resulted in improved gum and oral health. It also counters inflammation of the gums and counters bacteria, which controls receding gums.
Do this every morning until the gums become healthy.
Saline water gargling can do more than cure your sore throat. It can help improve your gum condition too. Here’s how.
Salt contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe the effects of receding gums. Studies(5) have further verified the claim that saltwater rinse is indeed good for your oral hygiene.
Do this two to three times a day.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps with gingival recession.
Oil pulling is also known as ‘gundusha’ or ‘kavala’ in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
Oil pulling gets rid of plaque deposition(6), which aggravates receding gums. Using coconut oil or sesame oil further strengthens the gums and reverses receding gums.
Do this every morning just after waking up, on an empty stomach.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Gingivitis]
When you think of what to do for receding gums, medicinal herbs should be the first remedy to pop up in your head. Here are a few effective herbs that can help with receding gums.
Ginger is a famous herb that can cure a number of ailments and illnesses. Hence, it comes as no surprise that ginger is also effective against receding gums.
Ginger is a highly potent anti-inflammatory herb that can rapidly soothe pain, swelling, and inflammation that accompanies receding gums.
Drink this ginger infusion every two hours to soothe the inflamed gums.
[Read: Herbs for Toothache]
Turmeric is yet another root herb belonging to the same family as ginger. It is packed with goodness that promotes health and well-being amongst those consuming it.
Due to its brilliant yellow-orange shade, turmeric is widely used as a natural dye.
Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory(7) properties. As a result, it not only soothes the gums but also prevents plaque buildup and limits gingivitis.
Do this every night before going to bed.
Certain foods can promote oral health and strengthen your bones and gums. Here are a few food items that you must include in your diet.
Cranberries are a member of the heather family and are closely related to blueberries and lingonberries. They have a sharp, sour taste.
Did You Know? Cranberries are nearly 90% water.
Cranberries prevent the bacteria from sticking to the teeth and, therefore, prevent it from spreading over to the gums. A 2013 study(8) published in the Journal of Periodontal Research suggested that the polyphenols and bioactive compounds found in cranberries can help with the regulation of gum-related diseases.
Do this daily to improve your gum condition.
[Read: Best Foods for Tooth]
Protein-packed soy products could not only strengthen your system but also improve your gum health.
Soy products can prevent the bleeding of gums, which could intensify gum-related disease.
Eat tofu regularly to extract the health benefits of soy.
As it is believed, prevention is better than cure. Hence, here are a few tips on how to prevent receding gums.
Now that you are aware of what can be done for receding gums, try out these remedies to treat your gum diseases. Oil pulling has been emerging as a popular technique to cure receding gums and while the positive effects are anecdotal, it could be the best possible way to fix receding gums.
Additionally, it is important to practice oral and gum health care and visit your dentist regularly to detect and cure oral health problems. Follow the natural remedies shared above and stick to the one that works best for you.
If you have any personal home remedies to share, do let us know in the comments below.
Here are a few frequently asked questions related to receding gums.
A number of home remedies have been shared above that can help you fix receding gums. However, if in your case, the condition is too severe, the dentist may suggest surgical treatments like flap surgery, gum graft, and bonding.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific data that indicates the regrowth of gum tissues. The natural remedies above can only help improve your oral health.
However, you can slow down the process of gingival recession by visiting the dentist regularly. They may make use of treatments like scaling or root planning to control the recession of gums and in certain cases, these treatments may even halt the process completely!