If you’re suffering from receding gums, there are several natural remedies you can try. These can help you stimulate the growth of new tissue.
Moreover, these natural treatments can also help you avoid the painful symptoms of gum disease. These can include pain, bleeding gums and loose teeth.
What is receding gums?
Receding gums is a condition where your gum tissue draws back from the teeth. This exposes more of the root surface of your tooth and can lead to gingivitis or gum disease if left untreated.
This is especially common in older adults and those who smoke or use tobacco products. Genetics also plays a role in this.
The most important factor in preventing receding gums is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque and food particles that can build up and irritate your gums. Keeping up with biannual dental cleanings can also help.
It’s important to note that brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause abrasions to your gums and enamel, which can lead to recession. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid over-brushing, applying gentle strokes.
Patients who have a high risk for gum disease can get regular periodontal exams to keep their mouths healthy and prevent problems like gum recession from occurring. These exams include thorough examinations of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
During these exams, your dentist can identify signs of gum disease and treat it early on. This can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other health complications.
Gums that have become swollen or inflamed can be red and irritated, causing bad breath, pain, or gum sores. Other symptoms of gum recession are a yellow or brownish shade on your teeth, and gaps between the teeth near the gumline.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for receding gums. These can range from professional procedures to natural remedies that can be used to improve the condition of your gums and protect them against infection. Ultimately, the best treatment for you will be determined by the severity of your gum condition and whether it has caused any other dental issues.
Causes and Symptoms of receding gums
Receding gums can be caused by a number of things, including aggressive tooth brushing and poor oral health. This can result in plaque buildup that creates a hard deposit called tartar, which can wear away the protective enamel on your teeth and cause gum disease and tooth loss.
Mild receding gums can usually be fixed by adopting a more gentle oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning. For severe cases, a regenerative procedure may be necessary, such as a gum tissue graft or composite restoration.
It’s important to get this problem diagnosed as early as possible so that it can be treated before it worsens and causes more serious issues. A dentist will examine your gums, checking for the symptoms of periodontal disease and measuring the size of gum pockets with a probe.
If the recession is not serious, your dental hygienist may recommend a simple scale and planing, where the dentist gently removes plaque from your teeth and around your gum lines. You can also see a specialist periodontist (gum specialist) for more advanced treatment options.
Having your teeth cleaned regularly is the best way to prevent and treat gum disease, so be sure to make appointments with your dentist twice a year. It is also important to cut back on bad habits like smoking and avoid other substances that can irritate the gums, such as chewing tobacco or marijuana.
When a tooth starts to look longer and the gum line is thinner around some teeth, it’s a sign of receding gums. This can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and more severe problems.
Professional Treatments for receding gums
There are several professional treatments for receding gums that can help to stimulate the growth of your gum tissue and prevent further deterioration. The best treatment for you will depend on your specific condition and the cause of the recession.
Mild receding gums can be treated with non-surgical solutions like orthodontics, desensitizing toothpaste, topical antibiotics, deep cleaning, scaling, root planing and dental bonding. For more advanced cases, a dentist may recommend soft tissue grafting and periodontal surgery.
The most common cause of receding gums is periodontal disease (gum disease). Triggered by bacterial infections, gum disease can damage the gum and bone tissue that hold teeth in place.
Symptoms of early stage gum disease include red, swollen, tender and bleeding gums. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Over time, clenching and grinding your teeth (nocturnal bruxism) can also wear down your gums. Brushing your teeth too hard or brushing too often can also erode the enamel on your teeth.
For mild to moderate cases of gum recession, a doctor may recommend the revolutionary, minimally invasive Pinhole Technique (PST). This new procedure uses a tiny laser to create a small hole in the gum tissue and then builds up your gums with a special tool without any scalpels or sutures needed.
Gum recession is a serious problem because it can lead to tooth loss. In severe cases, it can exacerbate problems such as gum disease and other health concerns. If left untreated, your gums can pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that trap bacteria and allow them to infect and destroy the gum and bone tissues.
Natural Remedies for receding gums
Receding gums are one of the most common oral health problems that can affect people of all ages. Without proper treatment, they can cause serious complications and lead to tooth loss.
There are many treatments for receding gums, including professional procedures that can restore lost tissue and strengthen the bone surrounding the teeth. However, there are also a number of natural remedies that can help stimulate the growth of new gum tissue and prevent further recession.
Oil Pulling with Sesame and Coconut Oil – Using an antimicrobial oil like sesame or coconut oil to swish around your mouth for about 20 minutes, can help reduce plaque buildup and promote healthy gums. This is known as oil pulling in ayurvedic practice and has been shown to be effective in combating gum disease.
Green Tea – Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, green tea can improve gum health by reducing inflammation of the gums. It also helps destroy bacteria that can cause periodontal problems.
Aloe Vera – An excellent remedy for gum disease, aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can protect your gums from infection. It can be used to rinse your mouth or applied directly as a gel.
Salt Water Rinse – A mixture of salt and water is an effective mouth rinse for gum problems. To make it, combine 1 teaspoon of salt and a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat two or three times a day.
Other oral hygiene habits can also contribute to receding gums, including bruxism (teeth grinding). If you have a history of bruxism, it’s important to address it before it causes significant damage to your teeth and gums.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemicals that can help prevent or reduce inflammation, aging, heart disease and cancer. They are added to many products to combat free radical damage. These antioxidants may also be found in some herbal supplements and foods, such as green tea catechins.
They have been shown to inhibit oxidative stress, which causes tissue damage in the body, including the gums. This can occur from a variety of sources, including environmental pollution, ultraviolet (UV) exposure and smoking.
There are thousands of antioxidants, ranging from enzymes to vitamins and minerals. The key is to eat a wide variety of foods that contain varying amounts of antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants.
These foods contain a range of beneficial nutrients that can reduce the accumulation of plaque in the oral cavity and improve collagen synthesis, as well as stimulate gum growth. In addition, these nutrients may prevent gum infections and tooth decay.
In order to maximize your intake of antioxidants, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are rich in color. For instance, berries and red peppers are very rich in antioxidants.
Another great way to get antioxidants into your diet is by incorporating fresh, raw vegetables into your meals. Vegetables such as kale, spinach and beets are high in antioxidants.
Adding antioxidants to your diet is an easy way to optimize oral health. Antioxidants can help ward off bacteria, which can cause bad breath and rotting teeth. They also boost the immune system, helping to keep you healthy and strong.