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According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the mouth is considered a mirror of most health and diseases. Fact is, the correlation between your oral health and overall health is direct. Normally, the human mouths are filled with bacteria, either harmful or harmless bacteria. Harmful bacteria may probably cause oral infections, gum disease like receding gum, bad breath and cavities.
In this entry, we focus on helping you understand more about gum receding, including what it is, what causes it, what common symptoms are, and home remedies for receding gum pain relief. First of all, you should get general knowledge about this condition.
What Is Receding Gum?
Receding gum is a common kind of teeth issue infection. It is defined as a condition in which your gums are gradually retracted. The situation can start from your childhood to your middle age. When this disease progresses, the gums will pull away from teeth, thereby forming pockets which harbor harmful bacteria. As a result, infections happen. Afterwards, when our immune system fights off infections, the connective tissues along with bones holding teeth appropriately will start to break down. Without proper treatment, connective tissue, gums and teeth will be damaged [1] [2]
As you know, the gums play an important role in ensuring your teeth to their designated position as well as protecting your teeth root. So, you understand how important they are and how serious the receding gum is.
So why is your gums retracted? Let’s find out in the next part.
What Are Causes Of Receding Gum?
Simply, the reason of receding gum can be explained as below. Every day you eat a number of foods and fruits. If you brush your teeth every day, you can eliminate bacteria, certainly. However, if you do not brush your teeth frequently, it will stick to your teeth and affect your teeth. In other words, if you do not have a good teeth care, bacteria will accumulate on your teeth. The number of bacteria increases quickly, damaging your gums day by day. As a result, you face up with the receding gum.
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Here are some of the causes of receding gums that we have collected.
- Catching gum diseases
If you suffer from gum diseases, such as periodontal disease, you have a higher risk of getting receding gum. The number of bacteria grows, damaging your gum gradually. Your gums are retracted, accordingly.
- Having poor oral care
If you do not brush your teeth in a proper way, plaque will formed on your teeth, leading to gum recession.
- Aggressively having a tooth brush
No frequent brushing causes receding gums. It is a granted. Brushing your teeth in an aggressive way also leads to receding gums. It is because this action can remove the enamel which is to protect your teeth. As a result, you can face up with receding gum.
- The change in hormones
Hormonal changes also contribute to bringing you to face up with the risk of receding gum.
- Usage of your teeth for biting or eating hard things
- Smoking
In addition, if you have a habit of smoking, you are in the higher risk of suffering from receding gums. Or if your body lacks vitamin C, you can fall in the situation of receding gums.
What Are Symptoms Of Receding Gum?
Receding gums is sometimes ignored because its symptoms are not clear. In the early stages of the problem, many people do not recognize that they have it. The early signs are extremely subtle, like tender spots upon chewing and blood upon brushing teeth. Nonetheless, once the problem progresses, the gums begin to pull away from teeth. The signs and symptoms, as a result, will be more visible. You should pay attention to your teeth and gums frequently to find out if you have the risk of receding gums. Here are some common symptoms for you:
- Your teeth seem to be longer.
- Your gum line changes its color.
- Your gums become swollen and turn red.
- Your gums start to bleed frequently.
- Your teeth are so sensitive to cold and hot food and drinks.
- Your teeth seem to be able to move easily.
If your teeth pass some of the symptoms above, you may suffer from receding gums. It is time for you to either apply natural remedies for your gums or go to see a dentist for his help.
What Are Risk Factors?
Oftentimes, poor dental hygiene is associated with receding gums as well as periodontal disease. Besides, there are some other risk factors which may increase your potential of getting this problem.
- Hormonal changes: it was shown that women of all ages might notice their gums become more sensitive upon going through a hormonal modification. Some examples are young girls going through puberty, or having pregnancy, or taking birth control pills, or entering menopausal stages.
- Diabetes: people with diabetes are more likely to get infections than others. Periodontal disease is basically a complication of diabetes. The infections make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood glucose levels. Due to this, it is important for diabetics maintain good oral hygiene to minimize risks of infections and other complications.
- Deficiency in vitamin C: Poor dental health is a sign of vitamin C deficiency. Those signs include inflamed, swollen or bleeding gums.
- Smoking: tobacco makes our immune system weak and prone to infections. Smokers who already suffer from receding gums as well as other periodontal disease find their gums hard to heal.
- HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS are prone to receding gums because their ability of fighting infections is limited. Similar to women in menopause period, HIV/AIDS also causes dry mouth, which is also a secondary effect of a lot of medications and diseases. It could result in tooth infections, tooth decay and oral thrush.
- Genetics: some people might be genetically predisposed to receding gum and other gum disease. Therefore, prevention is key to some individuals.
- Bruxism: also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is among leading causes of receding gums as well as periodontal disease.
After general understanding about receding gums, do you find it troubled? Well, you should not be so worried because we are here to help you.
If you are suffering from receding gums, we are sure that our article “18 Home Remedies For Receding Gum Pain Relief” is very useful for you. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com. However, keep in mind that you must go to see your doctor if your condition is severe.
Top 18 Effective Home Remedies For Receding Gum Pain Relief
1. Yarrow
Yarrow is a common plant used for stopping bleeding from a wound. It is also considered as a natural remedy for fighting toothache and a lot of other health problems. This wonderful benefit of this plant lies in its anticoagulant property as well as its power to combat against inflammation. In addition, it acts as a natural analgesic, alleviating the inflammation due to receding gums.
You can use yarrow in different ways:
Method 1:
- Take some leaves or stems of fresh yarrow.
- Wash them thoroughly.
- Chew them.
Method 2:
- Take some fresh yarrow leaves or stems.
- Wash them carefully.
- Put them in a blender to form a paste.
- Apply it directly on your gums.
- Gently massage for a few minutes.
- Do this twice every day.
Method 3:
- Take some leaves of yarrow (either fresh or dried ones).
- Wash them carefully.
- Put them in a pot.
- Add some water to it.
- Then, boil the pot.
- Remove the heat.
- Allow them to steep for half an hour.
- Next, strain the mixture.
- Let the tea cool down naturally.
- Enjoy the tea.
Method 4:
- Take a small amount of yarrow essential oil.
- Add some drops of coconut oil.
- Then, mix them well.
- Apply the mixed oil directly on your gums.
2. Coconut Oil
Containing the property of combating against microbes and inflammation, coconut oil is regarded as one of the powerful home remedies for receding gum. The medium chain trigylcerides (MCTs) and lauric acid in coconut oil possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, massaging your gums with coconut oil mixed with some sea salt can decrease inflammation.
Here is the suggestion:
Method 1:
- Put a small amount of coconut oil in a cup.
- Add some sea salt to the cup.
- Use the mixture to massage your affected gums gently.
Method 2:
- Brush the teeth with your usual toothpaste.
- Put a little bit coconut oil in your mouth.
- Do swirling and swishing the oil in your mouth.
- Do the process for a few minutes.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is also used to treat a number of dental health issues. It is well-known for its power to combat against inflammation. It gives a hand in preventing your teeth from periodontal problem because green tea can limit free radicals which is the main cause of periodontal diseases. Plus, green tea eases your inflamed gums as well as improves the combination between the gums and the teeth. Another benefit of using green tea is that it helps to strengthen the combination of the gums and teeth [3].
Here is the instruction for you:
Method 1:
- Take some fresh green tea leaves.
- Wash them thoroughly.
- Put them in a pot.
- Add some water.
- Boil the mixture.
- Remove the heat and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Let the tea cool down naturally.
- Sip the tea twice every day.
Method 2:
- Pour some water in a pot.
- Turn on the heat.
- Boil the water.
- Now, put a bag of green tea in the pot.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Also add a little bit back salt to the mixture.
- Put some parsley leaves in it.
- Mix all well.
- Sip the tea 2 times every day.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful ingredient for healing a number of skin problems. Not only that, this plant is also among effective home remedies for receding gums. It owns the property to combat against inflammation as well as cell healing. Therefore, applying the gel of aloe vera can soothe your inflamed gums [4].
You only need to do the following steps to get rid of the annoying receding gums:
Method 1:
- Take an aloe vera to slit it open.
- Brush your teeth.
- Now, rub the piece on the inflamed gums.
- Gently massage it for 5 minutes.
- Use warm water to gargle then.
- Do this application twice every day.
Method 2:
- Firstly, brush your teeth with toothpaste as usual.
- Take a little bit aloe vera gel.
- Put it on your toothbrush.
- Now, brush the teeth for a few minutes.
- Use warm water to gargle it.
- Do this twice every day.
Method 3:
- Take a cup of warm water.
- Add some aloe vera gel to the cup.
- Shake the mixture well.
- Now, gargle with the mixture for several minutes.
- Apply this remedy 2 times every day.
Learn more: 22 Tips How To Get Rid Of Onion Breath Fast Naturally At Home
5. Sesame Seed Oil
You can use an ancient Ayurvedic technique for detoxifying named oil pulling to treat receding gums [5]. With this method, use sesame seed oil to get optimal results. This oil is much beneficial in treating receding gums because it can eliminate toxins in your mouth. It works so well to prevent the formation of plaque build-up due to the coating it creates for your teeth. ‘All you need to do to utilize this oil is shown below:
Method 1:
- Put 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil in your mouth.
- Swish them for 20 minutes.
- Then, spit them out.
- Use warm water to clean your mouth.
- Do this twice every day.
Method 2:
- Warm up a tablespoon of sesame seed oil.
- Now, brush the teeth.
- Put the warm oil in your mouth.
- Swish this mixture for a few minutes.
Note: Avoid consuming the oil when your stomach is empty.
6. Sage
If you are suffering from receding gums, you should not miss out sage as a natural remedy for this oral issue. It has been known for treating dental issues for a long time thanks to its ability to cope up with microbes as well as inflammation. People used to chew the leaves of this herb as a natural treatment for dental abscesses or swollen gums. The tea made from this plant could be used as a gargle for mouth ulcers or a sore throat. Moreover, it could also improve your overall dental health.
All you need to do is to follow the guide below:
Method 1:
- Take some sage leaves.
- Wash them carefully.
- Chew them.
Method 2:
- Take some fresh sage leaves.
- Wash them carefully.
- Put them in a pot.
- Add some water to the pot.
- Boil the mixture.
- Remove the heat.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Gargle with the tea once every day.
Method 3:
- Take some dried sage leaves.
- Put them in hot water for 30 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Gargle with the tea once daily.
- Then, use the slush left to massage your gums.
- Apply the process once daily.
7. Sumac
Sumac is another plant which is used as one of the effective home remedies for receding gum. Thanks to the tannins, sumac can draw out the fluid from the tissues, thereby greatly reducing inflammation due to receding gums.
Here are some of suggestions for you:
Method 1:
- Take some sumac twigs.
- Crush them to crush your teeth as well as gums.
Method 2:
- Take some sumac leaves.
- Wash them thoroughly.
- Put them in a bowl.
- Add some water.
- Boil the mixture.
- Strain the liquid.
- Use the liquid to gargle every day.
8. Lemon Oil
You can also use the lemon oil extracted from the peel to get rid of receding gum. It is because the lemon peel contains the antiseptic property as well as the power to fight microbes. The lemon oil can facilitate new tissues of the gum to grow. Furthermore, its smell greatly contributes to deal with a bad breath.
The way how to apply this remedy is mentioned below:
Method 1:
- Pour 12 drops of the oil extracted from the lemon peel in a glass.
- Add some warm water.
- Shake the mixture well.
- Gargle with the mixture.
Method 2:
- Pour a few drops of the oil in a cup.
- Add a small amount of coconut oil to it.
- Mix them well.
- Rub the mixture on the affected gum.
- Gently massage it.
- Gargle with warm water.
Method 3:
- Pour ¼ teaspoon of olive oil in a clean jar.
- Squeeze a fresh lemon to get the juice.
- Pour the juice in the jar, too.
- Tightly cover it.
- Shake the mixture well.
- Set it aside for several weeks.
- Do shaking the mixture once daily.
- After 5 weeks, use the strained liquid to brush your teeth.
- Take a small amount of the liquid.
- Add it on your usual toothbrush.
- Brush the teeth and gums for 5 minutes.
- Only apply this process once every week
Note: Don’t use lemon oil regularly because it can damage the teeth enamel.
Only apply once every week.
9. Lemongrass Oil
If lemongrass oil is available at your home, why don’t you try using it for treating your receding gum? It will bring surprising results for you. Lemongrass has a strong power to fight fungi, thereby eliminating bacteria in your mouth.
Simply follow the instruction below, you will own of the excellent home remedies for receding gum:
Method 1:
- Wash several stems of lemongrass thoroughly.
- Put them in a pot containing water
- Boil the mixture.
- Strain the mixture.
- Allow it to cool down naturally.
- Gargle with the liquid.
- Do this once every day.
Method 2:
- Take a cup filled with warm water.
- Pour 10 drops of the lemongrass oil in the cup.
- Gargle with the mixture once daily.
10. Vitamin C
A deficiency of certain nutrients in the human body is a main cause in developing health issues. As mentioned in the cause, lack of vitamin C is also one of the reasons why your gums are inflamed and bled.
It is a good idea to include the food, vegetables and fresh fruits which are rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli, lemon, tomatoes, etc. But, you should avoid excessive cooking or improper methods of storing foods to retain their high content of vitamins.
Also read: 25 Effective Home Remedies For Yellow Teeth & Bad Breath
11. Clove Oil
Clove oil is commonly used for toothache and tooth infections as it helps to numb soft tissues thanks to its powerful disinfectant power, though the effect is temporary. It can control bacteria’s growth and help you to avoid suffering from gum erosion. The risk of getting gum recession of you is decreased, accordingly. Fact is, this oil is usually used in dental hygiene products for its great, long-lasting antibacterial effect. It is also so effective in oil pulling application.
The instruction here will show you how to use it for fighting receding gum:
- Directly apply some clove oil on your gums.
- Gently massage for a few minutes.
- Then, use warm water to gargle your mouth.
- Do this twice every day.
12. Natural Toothpaste
You also can prepare natural toothpaste as one of the excellent home remedies for receding gum. This kind of toothpaste can limit the recession of gums, eliminate bacteria as well as facilitate the gum tissue to grow.
Here is the guide for you:
- Put 30 g of neem bark in a blender.
- Add 15 leaves of holy basil.
- Add the same quantity of cloves.
- Then, pour one tablespoon of clove oil as well as sesame oil in.
- Blend them to form a paste.
- Use this paste to brush your teeth 2 times every day.
13. Eucalyptus Oil
As the same as clove oil, eucalyptus oil has its strong effect on eliminating germs and bacteria in the mouth, combating against receding gum. This essential oil exhibits antibacterial effect against the tooth decay-causing bacteria, cariogenic, and periodontopathic bacteria. More specifically, its anti-inflammation power can help to alleviate the swelling of the gums. Plus, this oil can encourage the growth of the gum tissue. However, eucalyptus oil should just be used as a temporary solution when it comes to home remedies for receding gum.
The way how to utilize eucalyptus oil for reducing the annoying symptoms of receding gum is shown below:
- Pour about 2 tablespoon of clean water in a bowl.
- Add several drops of eucalyptus oil to the bowl.
- Shake the mixture well.
- Apply it on your affected gums for about 5 minutes.
- Use clean water to gargle.
- Apply this process once every day.
Note: Don’t use undiluted eucalyptus oil to avoid making the gum too sensitive.
14. Myrrh
You can also use for dealing with some oral problems. This herb is particularly helpful for mucous membranes of the gums and mouth, etc. It improves the appetite, boosts digestive system and acts as a natural astringent. Myrrh is a resin taken from the myrrh tree. Traditionally used for curing a lot of oral and gum diseases, myrrh can stop gum recession and prevent any further gum damage. It is so effective in controlling activity of bacteria as well as keeping the gum healthy. It has been known for a magic ingredient to fight periodontal diseases, including receding gum.
All you need to do is very simple:
Method 1:
- Take a sufficient amount of myrrh powder.
- Pour the powder in a bowl.
- Add some water to it.
- Mix them well.
- Put it in your mouth.
- Swish for a few minutes.
- Use warm water to clean rinse it off.
- Do this application twice every day.
Method 2:
- Take a sufficient amount of myrrh powder.
- Pour the powder in a bowl.
- Add some water to it.
- Mix them well.
- Use it as your toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth and gums twice every day.
Though myrrh seems safe for the majority of people if used in small amounts, sometimes it may cause side effects like skin rash if used topically on skin, and diarrhea if taken directly by mouth. Large doses of myrrh might be unsafe (any amount greater than 2 to 4 grams may lead to changes in heart rate and kidney irritation). Pregnant and lactating women should avoid this plant. People with diabetes should use this herb with consultations of their doctors as it might lower blood glucose levels. Other people having heart problems, fever, undergoing surgery, uterine bleeding, and systemic inflammation should not use this herb, too.
15. Septilin
This is an Ayurvedic medicine known for immune-boosting effects, not to mention the ability to fight various infections. Septilin, in essence, is a proprietary blend of Guduchi, licorice, amla, Guggulu, and other compounds that can reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. according to a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial shown in the Journal of Periodontal Implant Science, it was found that supplementing with septilin could improve the results of periodontal treatment. Within about 3 weeks, people taking part in the trial who were given this compound showed significant improvement in the scores [6].
16. Amla
Amla is another great supplement prescribed in Ayurveda. It is well-known as a rebuilder for oral health. Experts claim that this herb can support development and healing of connective tissues. It could be used as a mouth rinse or simply taken orally in the form of capsules to relieve dental health issues [7].
17. Flossing
This sounds too good to be true when it comes to home remedies for receding gum. Actually, anything you could do to decrease bacteria and plaque could help you fight against receding gum and other gum disease. Flossing is quite similar to oil pulling, but to get effective results, you need to floss smarter. It means that you should floss carefully. Choose an all-natural floss which does not have PFOA or any other non-stick compounds.
18. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In addition to using natural ingredients found around our house, you should also consider taking supplements to support your treating process. It was shown that using 300mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day for about 12 weeks could reduce gingival index, bleeding, and pocket depth significantly while boosting the gum-to-tooth attachment. Besides, researchers noted that omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent chronic periodontitis in some people [8].
Home Remedies For Receding Gums – Preventative Measures
In any case, prevention is much better than curing. There are many ways of preventing this problem. Here are some suggestions that you can apply.
1. Good Oral Hygiene
- Having a good oral hygiene can help you to avoid gum recession and prevent a number of oral diseases as well.
- Don’t brush your teeth aggressively.
- Brush your teeth gently.
- Brush your teeth following the gum lines.
- Use a sufficient amount of toothbrush every time.
- Use a good brush having soft bristle.
- Do toothbrush at least 30 minutes after a meal.
2. Use Mouthwash
Applying mouthwash daily will be so effective in preventing germs from living on your teeth, causing oral diseases, including receding gums. Wash your mouth every day with ½ cup of water and some drops of peppermint oil or clove oil.
In other way, you can use diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to wash your mouth twice in every morning and evening.
3. Intake Of Sufficient Water
A sufficient supply for your body helps you not only to avoid oral diseases, including receding gums, but also prevents and combat against a number of diseases. Water is vital for your body.
Intake sufficient water is one of the good ways to eliminate toxins from your body, including your mouth. As a result, bacterial infection will be removed quickly. There is no risk of getting receding gums, accordingly.
Drinking water can clean partly food remaining in the mouth, decreasing the risk of suffering from oral diseases, including gum recession. You should swish the water for a few minutes once you drink some water.
4. Increase Healthy Food
Try to include fresh fruits, vegetables much more in your daily diet because these not only help your body to fight any gum inflammation but also supply your body with necessary vital minerals and vitamins to strengthen your immune system. Consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C, such as broccoli, pineapple, oranges, etc.
5. Say No To Junk Food And Cold Drinks
It is so difficult to stop the habit of eating junk foods, especially snacks, and chips, etc. when watching TV. However, if you do not want to weaken your teeth and gums gradually, it is time for you to limit junk food and cold drinks. Junk food contains an abundant amount of sugar which creates more opportunity for bacteria to grow, causing oral diseases.
Cold drinks are avoidable things for your teeth and gums.
So, this article above suggests you some of the most effective home remedies for receding gum. We are sure that you have chosen the suitable remedy for your affected gums now in our article of “18 Home Remedies For Receding Gums Pain”? You can easily apply these at home. If your condition is not improved after applying these remedies, you should go to see a specialized dentist for better treatment. If there are any concerns about this topic presented in Home Remedies Category, your comments and ideas are always welcomed. We will try to give the feedback to you as soon as possible.