Braces, fillings, root canals, whitening, crowns. We do all that and more just for a winning smile. And who doesn’t want a smile so perfect that it makes you smile even bigger?
But there’s more to getting that beautiful smile than caring for your pearly whites. That’s right, don’t forget those gums! Diseases and gum conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can also have a negative effect on your perfect smile. And so can gum recession.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when your gums start to wear away or pull back from your teeth, revealing more of your tooth’s root. This creates gaps between your teeth and gums where bacteria can build up. Often gum recession is a sign of a gum disease.
There are lots of causes for gum recession such as periodontal disease, hormonal changes, pregnancy, grinding or clenching your teeth, and even brushing your teeth too aggressively. Yep, excessive brushing can be dangerous to your gums!
There are several factors that can contribute to gum recession, including:
- Periodontal disease: Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to gum recession.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuating hormones, especially during pregnancy, can affect gum health.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth: This puts excessive pressure on your teeth, which can lead to gum recession.
- Aggressive brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard can wear away gum tissue and cause recession.
- Poor oral hygiene: Insufficient dental care can result in plaque buildup, which can lead to gum recession.
Symptoms of Gum Recession
Some signs that you may have gum recession include:
- Exposed tooth roots
- Swollen gums
- Gum bleeding
- Sensitivity of teeth
- Bad breath
Natural Remedies For Gum Recession
If you fear you have gum recession, or to take preventative care against it, try out some of these natural remedies!
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found to be effective in treating various oral health issues, including receding gums. Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that promote the healing and repair of damaged gum tissue. To use aloe vera for gum recession, apply natural aloe vera gel to your toothbrush and gently massage it into your gums before brushing your teeth. This can help soothe inflammation and facilitate the regeneration of gum tissue. Additionally, aloe vera’s antimicrobial properties can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can worsen gum recession.
Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil, such as sesame, coconut, or sunflower oil, in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. This method helps to reduce plaque buildup and bacteria in the mouth, promoting healthier gums. Oil pulling has been shown to improve oral hygiene, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of gingivitis. To practice oil pulling, take a tablespoon of your chosen oil and swish it around in your mouth, making sure to pull it between your teeth. Afterward, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, green tea can help improve gum health by reducing inflammation and limiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The catechins found in green tea have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, preventing plaque formation and promoting healthier gums. Drinking green tea regularly can also help to prevent periodontal diseases, which are a major cause of gum recession. Aim to drink one or two cups of green tea daily to reap its oral health benefits.
Lemon Oil: Lemon oil is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic agent that can be used to enhance gum health. Its antimicrobial properties can help to eliminate bacteria that cause gum recession and protect against oral infections, such as candidiasis. To use lemon oil, add a few drops to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Be cautious not to use lemon oil too frequently, as its high acidity can potentially damage tooth enamel if overused.
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent option for promoting gum health. Its active components, such as eucalyptol, can help to kill harmful bacteria that cause oral diseases, prevent tooth decay, and reduce gum inflammation. To use eucalyptus oil, dilute a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and gently massage it onto your gums using your fingertips. This can help to stimulate blood circulation, promote gum healing, and prevent further gum recession.
Probiotics: An imbalance of bacteria can affect your body’s defenses and keep your white blood cells from killing harmful bacteria. Those bacteria can inflame your gums. That inflammation, in turn, gives off chemicals that feed bad bacteria, which multiply. More bacteria inflame your gums and start to eat away at the bone that anchors your teeth. A group of helpful bacteria called lactobacilli can fight several kinds of bad bacteria and may help restore a healthy balance in your mouth. Researchers put some of this bacteria into chewing gum and asked people with the gingivitis to use it every day. (With gingivitis, your gums are red and swollen and bleed easily.) After 2 weeks, the teeth of the people in the study had less plaque — the clear, sticky film that can cause or gum disease. Another study found that lozenges with the same kind of bacteria also helped with inflammation and plaque.
Note: For probiotics to be effective it takes certain strains, not just any over the counter probiotic will heal your gums and improve your overall dental health. We recommend this product and if you decide to try another brand make sure it has the correct strains.
Clove Oil: Clove oil is known for its antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of oral health issues, including receding gums. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound, which can help to reduce gum pain and inflammation. To use clove oil, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your gums with a cotton swab or your fingertips. This can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of gum tissue.
Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can help to reduce gum inflammation, soothe pain, and eliminate harmful bacteria that can contribute to gum recession. Salt has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which can help to promote a healthy oral environment. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day, especially after meals, to help keep your gums healthy and reduce inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables: Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can contribute to better overall oral health, including healthier gums. Many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote gum health and help prevent gum recession. In addition, crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help to naturally clean your teeth and stimulate your gums, improving blood circulation and promoting gum health. Aim to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your daily diet to ensure that you are getting a wide range of nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum recession.
Looking for more in-depth information on natural remedies for oral health? Check out my FREE ebook “THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR DENTAL HEALTH”
Incorporating these natural remedies into your oral care routine can help you effectively prevent and treat gum recession, contributing to a healthier, more beautiful smile. Remember to also maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Taking a proactive approach to your oral health can go a long way in preventing gum recession and other dental issues.
