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%!
Table of Contents
What are Receding Gums?
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!
How to treat receding gums using natural remedies
- Essential Oils
- Home Remedies
- Herbs
- Foods
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms that indicate receding gums include:
- Red, swollen, inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Visibly shrinking gums
- Pain along the gum line
- Loose teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
Causes
There could be a number of factors that contribute to gingival recession. These include:
- Long-term aggressive brushing of teeth
- Tartar (hardened plaque buildup)
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes (in women)
- Family history of gum diseases
- Diabetes
- HIV
Here are a few quick and easy natural remedies on how to stop receding gums.
CURE 1: Essential oils for 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
1. Eucalyptus Oil
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.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A few drops of eucalyptus oil
Procedure
- Using your pointers, dab a little oil to the gums.
- Let it sit for about four to five minutes.
- Rinse it off with some cool water.
- Do NOT swallow the essential oil.
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.
How much to use?
Do this twice a week and observe its effects until the end.
2. Peppermint oil
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.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A few drops of peppermint oil
- A glass of water
Procedure
- Add the peppermint oil to the water.
- Take some water in your mouth and swish it around like a mouthwash.
- Spit out the water.
How much to use?
Do this daily before you go to bed.
CURE 2: Home remedies for Receding Gums
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.
1. Green Tea
Green tea not only benefits your body but can also help with your receding gums. Learn how.
Green tea is 30% polyphenols by weight.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A green tea bag
- A cup of water
Procedure
- Bring the water to a boil and take it off the heat.
- Drop the green tea bag in the water.
- Allow it to steep for about three to five minutes.
- Let the water cool and drink it.
How much to use?
Drink one to two cups of green tea daily for a noticeable difference.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Green Tea: Healthy Infusion
2. Aloe Vera for Receding Gums
While it is a well-known fact that aloe vera can significantly benefit the skin, aloe vera is also used for curing receding gums.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A cup of aloe vera juice
Procedure
- Drink the aloe vera juice on an empty stomach.
How much to use?
Do this every morning until the gums become healthy.
3. Salt-Water Gargling
Saline water gargling can do more than cure your sore throat. It can help improve your gum condition too. Here’s how.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A teaspoon of salt
- A cup of warm water
Procedure
- Mix the salt in the water and stir it until the crystals disappear.
- Rinse your mouth with the salt water mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Spit it out and do not ingest any saltwater.
How much to use?
Do this two to three times a day.
4. Oil Pulling
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.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A tablespoon of organic coconut oil or sesame oil.
Procedure
- Swish the oil in your mouth for about twenty minutes.
- Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm or saline water.
- Gently brush your teeth.
How much to use?
Do this every morning just after waking up, on an empty stomach.
CURE 3: Herbs
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.
1. Ginger
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.
Why Does it Work?
Ginger is a highly potent anti-inflammatory herb that can rapidly soothe pain, swelling, and inflammation that accompanies receding gums.
Ingredients
- Half an inch of ginger, peeled
- A cup of water
Procedure
- Grate the ginger in fine pieces.
- Add the ginger to the water and let it steep in the water overnight.
- Drink this infusion drink.
How much to use?
Drink this ginger infusion every two hours to soothe the inflamed gums.
2. Turmeric
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.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A teaspoon of turmeric powder
- A teaspoon of coconut oil
Procedure
- Mix the turmeric powder and coconut oil to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to your gums and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or saline water.
How much to use?
Do this every night before going to bed.
CURE 4: Foods
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.
1. Cranberries
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.
Why Does it Work?
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.
Ingredients
- A cup of unsweetened cranberry juice
Procedure
- Drink the cranberry juice on an empty stomach.
How much to use?
Do this daily to improve your gum condition.
2. Soy
Protein-packed soy products could not only strengthen your system but also improve your gum health.
Why Does it Work?
Soy products can prevent the bleeding of gums, which could intensify gum-related disease.
Ingredients
- Soy-based tofu
Procedure
- Consume tofu either as-is or through foods like stir-fries, etc.
How much to use?
Eat tofu regularly to extract the health benefits of soy.
Tips to Keep Gums Healthy
As it is believed, prevention is better than cure. Hence, here are a few tips on how to prevent receding gums.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day as it will remove the plaque deposition.
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups so that the onset of a gum condition can be detected and treated before it becomes more grave.
- Smoking causes gum diseases and as such, you must quit smoking to prevent gum infection or diseases.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and after every meal. Doing so will help in getting rid of plaque.
- Scrub your tongue to get rid of bacteria.
- Use a fluoride-based toothpaste that will help control the gingival recession.
- Make use of a therapeutic mouthwash such as chlorhexidine to prevent and reduce 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.
Also Read: 7 Simple Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions related to receding gums.
1. How to Fix 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.
2. Can Receding Gums Heal?
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!