3 Natural Remedies To Grow Back Receding Gums

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What Are Receding Gums?

In medical terms, receding gums are called “gingival recession”, where the roots of the teeth are exposed because of loss of gum tissue or a retraction of the gingival margin. When the tissue is pulled back and the root of the tooth is exposed, it can cause severe pain and sensitivity. Not only that, the exposed root is also more prone to plaque and damage! So how do you know you have gum recession? ^[1]

Well, the answer is simpler than you think. You might notice that your tooth looks longer (or is more sensitive) than usual. You might also notice a small notch at the base of your tooth, which means that your root might already be exposed. Because gum recession is such a gradual process, you might not even notice any of these signs and symptoms until they have already happened. However, it is a serious condition that needs to be treated to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Not everyone experiences gum recession; there are certain risk factors that predispose a person to this condition.

Periodontal disease: Bacterial infections can affect your gums and destroy tissue (as well as bone) which causes gum recession. A study reported by the CDC revealed that half of American adults were affected by periodontal disease in 2009 and 2010, with the numbers approximating 47.2 percent or 64.7 million American adults. Furthermore, the same study found that older adults aged 65 and older were more affected, approximately 70.1 percent! Among all the risk factors, this is the most common and the one that you should watch out for. ^[2]

Genes: As with most health conditions, your genes also play a significant role. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine found that there are certain genetic markers or sequences that can predispose a person to tooth decay and periodontitis, both of which cause gum recession. ^[3]

Hormonal changes in women, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can also cause increase gum sensitivity and predisposition to gum recession.

Lastly, one of the (if not the most) common risk factors is poor dental hygiene. Poor brushing, flossing, and rinsing can increase your risk for gum disease and gum recession.

All-natural ways you can use to fight gum recession:

1. Matcha

Matcha or green tea, was found to suppression oxidative stress in the gums and reduce periodontal inflammation, both of which cause gum recession. Researchers Maruyama, et al. in 2011 concluded that after eight weeks of treatment with green tea supplementation, periodontal inflammation and recession was significantly reduced in their test subjects. Not only that, green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help detoxify your body. Try to have a cup of green tea in the morning or even use it as a warm mouthwash to help with your receding gums. ^[4]

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is definitely a cure-all, from sunburn to dry skin, it can also help manage your receding gumline. A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology reported how aloe vera was able to soothe periodontal disease in people affected by receding gumlines. They included 15 subjects in their study and found that the soothing effects of aloe vera were clinically significant in healing gum disease and gum recession. You can apply aloe vera directly on your affected gums with a soft toothbrush or cotton bud, or as a mouthwash (aloe vera mixed in with warm water). ^[5]

3. Good Oral Hygiene

If you aren’t genetically predispositioned to periodontal disease, good oral hygiene is the best way to combat gum recession. Remember to brush after every meal, use mouthwash, floss, and make sure you’re brushing correctly! Avoid aggressive brushing which can damage your gums and cause your gumline to recede. You can also get professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months (which is recommended) and get checked out as soon as you feel tooth and gum sensitivity.

4. Bonus Hack: The Water Swish

It’s really obvious, but too few people do it: A further very simple practice is rinsing / swishing out the mouth with plain water after eating – especially after sweet foods or drinks! While arguably not as good as flossing / brushing, this does remove many food particles and reduce remaining sugars in the mouth – and is super-easy! So in addition to your regular brushing / flossing routine, get into the habit of thoroughly swishing out your mouth with water after every time you eat – you will improve your dental and gum health, your breath and your smile! 🙂

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