Knowing the signs of receding gums and using natural remedies at home can help you avoid serious complications and surgeries in the future.

If you have swollen/red gums, exposed tooth roots, or gums that appear to be shrinking, you may have receding gums. Gum disease and frequent inflammation can weaken the collagen fibers within your gums, causing them to pull away from your teeth’s surface. This can lead to infections, sensitivity, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

By quickly identifying signs of receding gums and taking action to prevent or remedy them, you can avoid serious complications down the line.

Causes And Symptoms Of Receding Gums

When bacteria and plaque accumulate on your gums and teeth, you may develop gingivitis, tooth decay, and receding gums. However, neglecting to brush your teeth and gums carefully isn’t the only potential culprit behind gum recession. Typically, gum pocket sizes fall between one and three millimeters. Your gums may start to recede if you have a gum injury, prominent tooth roots or attachment muscles, or improperly fitting partial dentures. Brushing too hard or not enough, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, HIV, your age, and certain medications that cause dry mouth may also be to blame for receding gums.

If you notice pain at your gum line, exposed tooth roots, loose teeth, longer teeth, and shrinking, swollen, sore, bleeding, or red gums, you can try some natural remedies to treat your receding gums before scheduling a visit to the dentist.

9 Natural Remedies for Receding Gums

1. Antioxidants

According to a 2019 meta-analysis, antioxidants can reduce gum inflammation. Taking antioxidants can also reduce gum bleeding and plaque as well as improve the attachment between your teeth and gums.

A common antioxidant, green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and can improve teeth and gum health. In addition to drinking one or two cups of green tea each day, taking a supplement with lycopene and green tea extract can promote your gum health, and chewing green tea chewing gum can reduce signs of inflammation, plaque formation, and gum bleeding.

Similarly, people have been using sage to treat pain and dental issues for centuries. Historically, people chewed sage leaves and stems. Today, most people ingest this antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory antioxidant in its tea form. Like green tea, sage can reduce gum swelling.

2. Turmeric Gel

Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric contains curcumin and may protect against plaque and gingivitis — two majors culprits behind receding gums.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in nuts, fish, and seeds, this type of unsaturated fat can improve gum-to-tooth attachment and reduce gum inflammation, according to a 2014 study. Those who took 300 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids each day for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in gum pocket depth and inflammation as well as improved attachment between their teeth and gums. It’s also possible that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent chronic periodontitis.

4. Salt

Saltwater rinses are an excellent at-home treatment for inflamed or receding gums. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse with salt water two to three times each day.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Similarly, rinsing with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can help treat receding, sore, red, and swollen gums. Two or three times a week, mix ¼ cup of water with ¼ cup of three percent hydrogen peroxide, and rinse your mouth with the mixture for 30 seconds.

6. Aloe Vera

In addition to being a popular ingredient in skin creams, aloe vera can improve gum health and symptoms of periodontal disease. This anti-inflammatory succulent plant can help strengthen your collagen, which will tighten and fortify your gums.

Applying aloe vera gel topically after a scaling and root planing treatment — which involves carefully cleaning your teeth above and below your gum line to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation — can even help treat chronic periodontitis.

7. Septilin

This proprietary polyherbal preparation is both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and contains Guduchi, guggul, licorice, and other herbs. Septilin can improve gum health by reducing gum bleeding and gum pocket depth, making it an excellent treatment option for those suffering from periodontitis.

Though the recommended Septilin dosage for adults is two teaspoons of syrup three times a day or two tablets twice a day, talk with your doctor to establish your dosage before taking Septilin.

8. Rinsing With Herbal Extracts & Oils

Oil pulling has also been proven to reduce plaque levels in those with gingivitis. Swish oil around your mouth for five to 20 minutes to dislodge gum disease-causing bacteria from between your teeth. Once you’ve finished swishing, spit the oil into the sink, rinse your mouth with warm water, and brush your teeth. Oils you can swish with include:

• Clove oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Peppermint oil
• Thyme oil
• Lemon oil
• Coconut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Sesame oil
• Basil oil

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency can result in gum disease, inflammation, and swelling. If you don’t have enough Vitamin C in your diet, eat more broccoli, lemons, oranges, peppers, and tomatoes.

While all of these natural remedies can help combat receding gums, maintaining a stringent oral healthcare routine is one of the best things you can do for your gums. By regularly and diligently brushing and flossing, you can prevent the accumulation of the bacteria and plaque that lead to gum inflammation and recession.

When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough

While natural remedies are a great starting point, make sure to visit your dentist if you notice any signs of receding gums. Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, flap surgery, or grafting to help save your gums and teeth. They may also recommend taking enzyme suppressants or using antibiotic gel or antimicrobial mouthwash if you have an underlying problem contributing to your gum recession.

If you don’t have any symptoms of receding gums or gum disease, it’s still important to regularly visit your dentist. They can catch any signs of gum disease and remove tartar from your teeth, helping you avoid complications. If you live in the San Diego area, schedule an appointment today at Espire’s location in La Mesa.