A study published in the Journal of Dental Research reported that gum disease affects nearly half of Americans aged 30 and above. Gum recession is a common manifestation of both types of gum disease—gingivitis and periodontitis. Wearing away of the protective gum tissue exposes teeth to plaque and bacteria, causing sensitivity, pain, and bone loss if left untreated.
If you are experiencing early signs of gum recession, here are a few home remedies to try. Consult your dentist about using home remedies and if they do not help relieve gum recession, inflammation, pain, and sensitivity. In addition, do not forget to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Be gentle as gum sensitivity and pain may make brushing your teeth an unpleasant experience until your oral health improves.
1. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater is known to kill bacteria in your mouth and soothe gum inflammation. Add half a teaspoon to warm water and use it to rinse your mouth. Do not swallow this water. Repeat it two to three times a day until swelling and inflammation goes away. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
2. Oil Pulling
Oil Pulling is ancient Indian remedy for receding gums and maintaining overall oral health. It may also help remove plaque, kill bacteria, reduce bad breath, and prevent cavities. Take a tablespoon of organic coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil and swirl it around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes. Spit the oil in a pouch and brush your teeth. Do not spit the oil in the washbasin as it may clog its drain pipe.
3. Aloe Vera
Injecting aloe vera gel into your gums is another popular treatment for receding gums. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, and healing properties that may help relieve gum inflammation. However, you need a trained professional to get this treatment. Alternatively, you can apply aloe vera gel to affected gum sockets to reduce the effects of inflammation and bacterial growth in your mouth. Adding a pinch of turmeric to aloe gel increases the potency of this remedy. Turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis.
4. Septilin
Septilin is a multi-herbal immunomodulator. It helps strengthen immunity and increase the body’s ability to fight infections. However, it is also a proven natural gum recession remedy. It is a compound of licorice, Indian myrrh (guggul), and Tinospora Cordifolia (guduchi/giloy). A 2014-study showed that Septilin helps restore gum health to some extent. It is available in the form of syrup or tablets. You can take two tablets twice daily or two teaspoons of syrup two to three times a day.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids helps improve your gum health by reducing gum inflammation and improving tooth-to-gum attachment. It may also be an adjunct remedy to help reverse gum recession in its early stages. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, caviar, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. You may also take omega-3 supplements to meet the daily requirement.