What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums is a condition where the gums pull away from the teeth leading to infection. As it grows progressively this gum disease infects the soft tissue and bone that hold teeth in place leading to more severe infections.
Imagining the situation of receding gums is not only scary but also painful and the infection takes its time to heal depending upon the severity of the issue. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the infection initially to avoid tooth destruction.
Causes of receding gums
A series of factors can cause receding gums, including aging, too strong a toothbrush, or even poor oral health. Poor oral health can lead to gingivitis when the gums are ignited because of the presence of plaque bacteria, and if not treated, finally start the retreat.
If the cause of the receding gums is not determined and if it is allowed to continue, the receding gums can lead to more severe oral health problems. Gums can start from the teeth, create pockets around where even many plaques can accumulate. With time, if these pockets are deepened, the gums continue to retract and the teeth can loosen.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
In the initial stage of gum disease, many people neglect the same because of unawareness. The first signs can be precise to notice, such as the occasional bleeding while brushing but as the infection increases because of the exposed tooth; tooth sensitivity becomes extreme and painful along with the following symptoms:
- Bad breath: Even using mouthwashes and brushing daily doesn’t resolve the problem of bad breath.
- Gums Discoloration: It is yet another sign of receding gums because of the exposed roots.
- Tooth sensitivity: Teeth become sensitive to hot/ cold foods and drinks.
- Loosening of Tooth: This is one of the extreme stages where the tooth loses its attachment structure and deepens the gum pockets as a result teeth may appear longer than normal.
- Gum inflammation: Swollen gums or gums inflammation causes pain and discomfort while chewing food.
Effective Remedies for Receding Gums
- Oil Pulling-
- Flossing-
- Mouthwash
- Green Tea-
- Vitamin C-
- Clove oil-
- Aloe Vera-
- Septilin-
- Amla-
- Omega (3 fatty acids)-
- Deep cleaning-
- Medicated Antimicrobial/antibacterial mouthwashes.
- Salt-
Effective Remedies for Receding Gums
For those who don’t want to dig their pockets for the treatment or experience agitation, there are certain effective natural home remedies for receding gums. Here are some-
1. Oil Pulling-
This is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing oil in the mouth for at least 20 minutes and then spitting it into the sink. This remedy helps to draw out toxins from the mouth, helping further to strengthen gums, fixing gum recession and eliminating plague, and preventing oral diseases. (1)
2. Flossing-
Regular flossing routine removes plaque and helps prevent gum recession and further build-up leading to severe tartar. It is advisable to choose natural and non-sticky floss to fit in your dental routine.
3. Mouthwash–
Using a mouthwash is yet another effective way to fight mouth infections and the best home remedies for receding gums. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride help in reducing cavities, healing canker sores, removing plaque, and promoting good oral.
4. Green Tea-
Known for rich antioxidants compounds, green tea helps in controlling inflammation, improving gum health, cavity prevention, and bad breath issues by fighting bacterial infections. Switching to green tea (3-5 times a day) will resolve most of your gum tissues. (2)
5. Vitamin C-
is the most important antioxidant for collagen production as collagen is the basic protein that builds and heals. Therefore, a vitamin C- a rich diet that includes oranges, green and red pepper, tomatoes guavas may help to reduce the problems associated with receding gums.
6. Clove oil-
To reduce the gum inflammation, gently massage the clove oil on the gums, leave it for a couple of minutes, and rinse thereafter. We consider the clove oil a germicide that eliminates gum infections and relieves relieve from gums receding.
7. Aloe Vera-
From ancient times aloe vera is the most preferred herb to fight gum issues as it not only reduces inflammation and repair tissues but also keeps mouth infections at bay. Research shows rubbing aloe vera gel on receding gums helps in fast healing. (3)
8. Septilin-
Under home remedies for receding gums, another is Septilin as it is filled with a variety of herbs such as Licorice, Guggulu, Guduchi which are effective source to boost immunity and fight infections that causes gum receding. (4)
9. Amla-
Another Ayurvedic supplement that promotes healing tooth decay and reverses cavity naturally. The presence of vitamin C and other vital nutrients act as a rebuilder of oral health. We can take amla orally or in capsule form or mouth rinse for prolonging health benefits.
10. Omega (3 fatty acids)-
A study from Harvard stated that supplements of omega-3 may improve the problems of receding gums and other severity such as periodontitis where the tissues and bone supporting the tooth get destroyed. It also helps in reducing inflammation and makes your teeth strong. (5)
11. Deep cleaning-
These cleanings involve scaling and root planing. This is where the dentist removes the plaque and tartar from and above the gum line ensuring deep cleaning of teeth and gums.
12. Medicated Antimicrobial/antibacterial mouthwashes.
Your dentist may recommend or prescribe you antimicrobial mouthwashes and gels that are strong and effective to reduce bacterial infections and the bacteria-filled pockets causing receding gums.
13. Salt-
Saltwater can help to heal the damage caused by gum disease and it helps in reducing inflammation as washing with warm salt water is an effective way to reduce inflammation and swelling caused by gum disease. Saltwater gargles can help treat gum disease, but they cannot solve the problem on their own.
Cleansing with salt water does not mean swallowing instead, hold saltwater in your mouth and move for 15 to 30 seconds. When finished rinsing, spit out the saltwater.
You can try these home remedies for receding gums and we can prevent also some causes of gum retraction. The most obvious preventable cause is wiping your teeth hard or using a hard toothbrush. Instead, people should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid excessive brushing with gentle brush strokes.
Plaque buildup and tartar can cause periodontal disease and help prevent a gingival recession, which maintains good oral hygiene. If you are concerned about tooth or gum retraction, please visit your dentist to discuss your concerns.
As an old saying “Prevention is better than cure”. Prevention is always better to keep infections at bay and if the problem is detected; it should be cured without negligence.
Always remember- A beautiful smile is always reflected from beautiful teeth.
Varsha is a keen content writer with having an interest in writing content on topics like beauty, health & lifestyle. Although she’s fairly new, what she likes best about content writing is that it allows her to learn and write about a variety of topics and issues.