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.
Sage is another antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory antioxidant. Most people ingest it in tea form, which 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. A 2014 study showed that those who took 300 mg daily for 12 weeks had reduced gum pocket depth and inflammation.
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 for 30 seconds, two to three times per day.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can help treat sore, red, and swollen gums. Mix ¼ cup of water with ¼ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and rinse for 30 seconds, two to three times a week.
6. Aloe Vera
This anti-inflammatory succulent can help strengthen your collagen and improve symptoms of periodontal disease. Aloe vera gel can even aid in chronic periodontitis treatment when used after scaling and root planing.
7. Septilin
A polyherbal preparation containing Guduchi, guggul, licorice, and more. It reduces gum bleeding and pocket depth. Typical dosage: two teaspoons of syrup three times a day or two tablets twice a day—consult your doctor first.
8. Rinsing with Herbal Extracts & Oils
Oil pulling with various oils (like coconut, sesame, clove, eucalyptus, and peppermint) helps dislodge bacteria. Swish for 5 to 20 minutes, spit, rinse, and brush.
9. Vitamin C
A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to inflammation and gum disease. Boost your intake with broccoli, lemons, oranges, peppers, and tomatoes.
When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
While these remedies can help, visiting your dentist at Espire Dental is key. They may recommend scaling, root planing, surgery, or medications like antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses if needed. Even if you don’t have symptoms, regular cleanings help catch early signs of gum disease and prevent complications.
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