Article by:
Amelia Grant
Gums are dental tissue that hold your teeth and protect their roots from damage. Because of infection, poor dental care, and certain health conditions, the gum tissue may start pulling back your gum line. This is known as a gum recession or receding gums.
Gums recession is a pocket of air that appears between your gums and teeth, exposing the teeth’ root. These pockets are great for bacteria accumulation and can increase your risk of tooth decay. Over time, receding gums can result in serious dental problems and even tooth loss.
The symptoms of gum recession include bleeding after brushing, bad breath, pain at the gum line, redness, swelling, and visibly shrinking gums. If you have noticed the symptoms, you can visit a dentist or try some home remedies for gum recession.
Below are 10 great home remedies to treat gum recession.
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil has potent antibacterial properties that can help control bacteria growth in your mouth. This can aid in the prevention of tooth decay and plaque accumulation in the mouth. Plaque accumulation is a major risk factor for periodontal disease, which leads to problems like gum recession.
2. Green tea
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Drinking green tea regularly can help reduce gum inflammation and may actually ward off disease. To preserve the health of your gums, you need to drink between 2-4 cups of green tea every day.
3. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Pulling your mouth with eucalyptus oil can help reduce gum inflammation, eliminate bad bacteria from your mouth, and stimulate the growth of new gum tissues.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a powerhouse of health benefits. Applying aloe vera to the receding gums helps reduce inflammation and promote gum healing. Besides, aloe vera has promising anti-microbial properties, helping to get rid of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth.
5. Turmeric paste
Turmeric is a source of curcumin. Curcumin is a nutrient that is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Targeting your gums with turmeric gel or toothpaste daily can help reduce the symptoms of gum disease and prevent bacteria accumulation.
6. Saltwater
Saltwater has anti-inflammatory and bacteria-fighting properties. Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective treatment option for gum recession. You need to combine 1 tbsp. of salt with a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution two to three times a day to improve gum recession.
7. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a lot of health benefits. Taking omega-3 supplements can reduce the gingival index (the severity of gum inflammation) while improving the attachment of the gums to your teeth. Omega-3 supplements are valuable in almost any drug store, so you can easily find them.
8. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that can help treat gum recession. To use hydrogen peroxide in your daily dental care routine, mix 1/4 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of water. Swish this solution for about 30 seconds and then spit it. You can repeat this procedure two to three times a week.
9. Peppermint oil
Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect and can help reduce gum inflammation. Besides, it is effective in preventing the growth of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth and can improve bad breath associated with gum recession. You need to add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water and rinse your mouth.
10. Proper dental hygiene
Last but not least, is proper dental hygiene. Without good dental hygiene, none of the remedies above will help you treat receding gums. It is important to clean your teeth twice a day and use tooth floss to remove plaque from the places where the toothbrush cannot reach. Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria and preserves gum health.