Patients concerned about receding gums may be able to help treat or reverse this medical condition at home. Receding gums occur when the gums separate or pull away from the teeth. This condition can be painful and it can leave the gums and teeth exposed and vulnerable to infection and decay.
While the most common cause of receding gums is gum inflammation or disease caused by bacteria or poor dental hygiene, there are other situations in which a patient’s gums may start to separate from the teeth, including the following:
The causes listed above are just a few reasons why patients may have receding gums. Genetics can also predispose a person to develop this condition. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of gums, or any other part of an oral hygiene routine, should speak to a licensed dentist to determine the correct treatment.
Patients who are considering treating receding gums with natural methods should make sure to have the dentist’s go-ahead before choosing a treatment. Do research to ensure that the method you choose is scientifically effective before opting to treat this condition at home.
Oil pulling has received attention in the past decade for being a holistic alternative to standard mouthwash or other dental treatments. This technique simply requires a patient to swish oil — typically coconut or sunflower oil — in the mouth for a number of minutes. A 2017 literature review showed this ancient folk remedy to reduce bacteria in the mouth. It is not necessary to swallow the oil.
Adding more fruits and vegetables to the patient’s diet is always a good idea. Patients can also consider drinking green tea for oral health or chewing green tea gum, which was shown in a 2016 study to aid in the treatment of gingivitis.
Many people are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids due to the standard Western diet not including enough servings of fish and other foods that contain this fatty acid. Choose low-mercury fish such as salmon and sardines, try increasing consumption of nuts and seeds, and consider taking a supplement to reduce inflammation in the gums and to prevent receding gums.
Caring for receding gums gently and carefully is as important as any at-home remedy. Use a soft-bristle brush twice daily and floss gently to reduce the amount of food debris, bacteria, and plaque on the surface of the teeth and gums to minimize the chances of infection.
Receding gums can be painful and annoying, but thankfully there are several in-office and at-home treatment methods that assist patients in preventing gum problems and reversing this condition. Patients who are struggling to help their gums look and feel healthy can speak to a qualified dentist to determine which at-home treatments would be appropriate.
Request an appointment here: https://www.blossomriverdental.com or call Blossom River Dental at (408) 217-0500 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
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Patients concerned about receding gums may be able to help treat or reverse this medical condition at home. Receding gums occur when the gums separate or pull away from the teeth. This condition can be painful and it can leave the gums and teeth exposed and vulnerable to infection and decay.While the most common cause…
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