Receding gums is a condition where the gum slowly detaches itself from the crown of the tooth and leaves a large part of it exposed. It is a serious dental condition, and even though there are some truly amazing home remedies for receding gums to help them grow back, it is important to understand the full scope of the condition before treatment can be administered.
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Why is it important to treat receding gums?
The gum of your teeth can start receding in childhood, and by the time you reach a mature age, it can leave your entire tooth including the roots of your teeth, exposed. This leaves the sensitive tissues exposed to problems like bacterial infection, temperature fluctuations and plaque, all of which can cause intense tooth ache. It also sensitizes the nerves in your mouth, and once those are damaged and the root is complete exposed, you can also stand to lose your teeth, which will fall off if they are kept exposed.
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The symptoms of receding gums include:
- Teeth feeling loose
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Teeth appearing larger than they usually appear
- Tooth ache or pain in the gums
- Discoloration on the gum line
- Inflammation in the gums
Receding gums is usually caused by a prolonged and untreated bacterial infection, which leaves the teeth vulnerable to problems like receding gums, which is also known as gingival recession. It can also be caused because of a genetic of hereditary problem. Your gums can also start receding if you brush your teeth very aggressively, and because of poor lifestyle choice like smoking and drinking, hormonal changes, infections and unprecedented pressure on teeth are also possible causes of this condition.
Here are some of the easily available and super effective home remedies for receding gums you can use to nip the problem in the bud, and restore good oral and dental health to your mouth.
1. Yarrow
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Yarrow is a commonly found herb that is used for problems such as nosebleeds and receding gums. It is an ancient remedy used by Native Americans, who used to chew the leaves, whose herbal properties were able to stem bleeding in almost all parts of the body and solve problems like toothaches and receding gums. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and can help kill any bacteria which might be causing your condition to aggravate.
You can either chew on fresh (thoroughly washed) yarrow leaves before brushing your teeth in the morning to prevent your gums from receding. You can also pour boiling water over yarrow flowers and let it sit for 20 minutes, before straining and washing your mouth with the solution.
2. Green tea
Green tea is one of the simplest, yet most effective home remedies for receding gums. It contains a ton of anti-oxidants which removes the free radicals which are sometimes responsible for periodontal diseases, the symptoms of which include receding gums. Green tea also contains catechins, which promote greater strength to your gums, and prevent them from separating and receding from teeth.
You can drink a cup of unsweetened green tea in the morning to help with your problem. If you are suffering from pain or sensitivity, you can also apply a green tea bag, that has been steeped in warm water to your gums for immediate relief.
3. Aloe vera
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Aloe vera has some of the best natural soothing properties which help your gums get relief in case you are suffering from gingival recession. Aloe vera not only prevents your gums from getting inflamed, but it also helps promote the healthy growth of cells and tissues in your gums, so that even if they have receding, they will grow back to their normal level in no time.
To use aloe vera, scoop out the gel from a leaf and apply a thick layer of the same on your teeth and gums. Keep it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it out with a mouth freshener and then brushing your teeth gently. This will also kill the bacteria on your teeth.
4. Vitamin C
One of the most underrated solutions for receding gums is Vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties which can help you stall the process of recession and help your gums grow back to its normal level. Collagen is the protein that is responsible for your gums sticking to your teeth, and consumption of sufficient Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen. Vitamin C is also considered a natural toothpaste because it keeps problems like plaque and other bacterial infections like cavity at bay. It also soothes pain and inflammation.
When you take Vitamin C supplements, make sure you use the non-acidic kind like calcium ascorbate, which contains Vitamin C as well as calcium, both of which are great for your teeth.
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5. Coconut oil
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Coconut oil is an excellent home remedy for all tooth and gums related problems, because of the host of nutrients that it possessed. It can eliminate the bacteria and germs from your mouth, preventing your condition from acceleration, and it also stimulates the tissues in your teeth and gums to help your gums grow back if they have receded.
Take a small amount of warm coconut oil and massage it on your teeth and gums till a soothing sensation creeps in. Wash your mouth with a mouth freshener or simply brush your teeth. Do this every day till you start seeing results.
6. Sumac
The astringent properties found in this common backyard herb can work wonders when it comes to saving your dental health. The tannins that are found in sumac leaves can help tighten your gum and sling to your teeth with greater strength, because they draw out moisture from your mouth and leave a sandpapery feel. However, it doesn’t dry out your mouth. You can use the twigs from a sumac tree to rub inside your mouth and on your gums. You can even make a tea by boiling the leaves, with which you can gurgle.
7. Eucalyptus oil
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Eucalyptus oil is great for the teeth and the gums, and has several healing properties which act as effective remedies for receding gums. The anti-bacterial properties found in eucalyptus oil can help your teeth feel fresh and healthy, and its anti-inflammation properties also help sooth your gums and prevent recession.
Rae eucalyptus oil is too strong for your dental tissues. Take half a cup of water and dilute 2 drop of eucalyptus essential oil in the water to create a solution you can rinse your mouth with. It is also a natural mouth freshener which leaves your mouth free of bacteria and odors.
8. Lemon oil
Lemon has Vitamin C and antioxidants which can help you receding gums grow back and kill the cause of the problem, whether it is infection, bacteria or anything else. Lemon oil is also very good for pain that you might be experiencing in your gums, because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe and heal.
Lemon oil in itself is too string for your gums, so it is always best to dilute it with a little water before you apply it to your teeth. You can make your own lemon oil by taking one cup of olive oil and submerging a lemon cut in quarters in the oil for a week.
9. Omega 3 fatty acids
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Omega 3 fatty acids are good fats that are found in things like fish oil and certain vegetables, which can help reduce your condition to a great extend. It has prevents inflammation, which is one of the main causes of receding gums, and help the tissues grow back because of the fats. You can find omega 3 fatty acids in natural products like coconut oil, avocados, fish oil, olives, etc. You can also take omega 3 fatty acid supplements.
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10. Myrrh
Myrrh is also a naturally found herbal product which helps in the production of collagen. This creates the natural ‘glue’ which sticks the gum with the teeth and prevents it from detaching and retreating. It not only helps you heal your gums repair themselves when they are already weakened, but it also prevents any further infection or injury from harming your gums, making it a long term remedy for your receding gums.
Make a paste of myrrh powder and water till you have a smooth mixture. Apply this mixture to your teeth and gums and rub it in circles gently with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Use this remedy twice a week to see results in a couple of months.
Once you are equipped with these home remedies, you shouldn’t have any trouble handling your problem, which you previously thought was incurable. These remedies are all super safe and super effective, so that you don’t have to worry about your dental health ever again.
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