Do you have receding gums? There are various reasons why gums recede, and this condition may put you at greater risk for bacteria buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If receding gums are left untreated, the supporting bone structures and tissues associated with the teeth may become damaged, possibly leading to tooth loss. Therefore, it’s very important to take immediate action if you notice that your gums are receding. There are procedures that can be done by your dentist, but there are also home remedies for receding gums, if you notice the problem right away.
What Causes Gums to Recede?
Certain people might be at greater risk for receding gums because of their genetic make-up. If you brush your teeth too aggressively, it might wear down tooth enamel and cause gums to recede. Insufficient dental hygiene might cause plaque buildup to advance into tartar, which then must be removed professionally. This can also cause gums to recede. Other causes include women’s hormonal changes, tobacco use, misaligned teeth and tooth grinding or clenching.
Professional Dental Treatments for Receding Gums
If your gum recession is further along, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning of the area to remove plaque and tartar and smooth over the surface below the gum line. They might also prescribe antibiotics to get rid of bacteria. There are also surgical procedures that can be used, in extreme cases.
Home Remedies for Receding Gums
Are there home treatments for receding gums? Yes! If it’s caught early enough and if you’re already practicing healthy dental habits such as brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice a day, you might be able to save yourself the time and expense of a dentist’s visit by using these simple home remedies for receding gums.
Green Tea – In addition to providing general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, regular consumption of green tea also enhances dental health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease while strengthening the bond between the teeth and gums.
Yarrow – Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticoagulant that can help with receding gums. You can chew on yarrow leaves or stems or grind the leaves into a paste to massage your gums with. You can also make tea from fresh or dried yarrow leaves or flowers. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes, strain and then drink when cool. It can also be used in its essential oil form. Mix it with a few drops of oil, such as coconut oil, and spread it on your gums.
Aloe Vera – You might already have aloe vera gel in your medicine cabinet for summer sunburn relief. Aloe vera leaves are also very effective in reducing gum recession and inflammation. For this purpose, it is best to use the fresh herb. Break off a piece of aloe vera leaf and rub in on your gums. You can also scrape the gel out of the leaf and keep it in the refrigerator for future use. After brushing, spread some of the gel on your gums and massage it in. It will help to restore your gum tissue.
Coconut Oil – Thanks to the medium chain triglyceride and lauric acid in coconut oil, this beneficial substance has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Mix a little virgin coconut oil with fine sea salt and massage it into your gums to reduce inflammation. You can also use coconut oil (or sesame oil) for oil pulling. Melt 1-2 tablespoons of oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to spit it in the trash when you’re done, since oil can congeal and clog pipes. Don’t swallow it either, since the oil will contain food particles and bacteria.
Other effective natural remedies for receding gums include lemon oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil sage, sumac and Vitamin C. In fact, if one is deficient in Vitamin C, that might cause gum bleeding and inflammation. There are many foods that contain Vitamin C, and you can also find it as a supplement.
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