Receding gums is a condition that the gum tissues supporting and protecting your teeth begin to recede and exposethe teeth roots to the environment of the mouth. Receding gums would possibly lead to teeth decay and/or teeth loss. People aged above 40 are reported to experience this condition frequently. And the receding gums can be treated depending on the causes and severity. Here the article tries to figure out the possible causes of receding gums and gives some tested and effective methodshelp the receding gums grow back.
Stages of Receding Gums?
Class I – Mild gum recession without notable loss of bone or tissue between teeth.
Class II – The gum has receded toward the attached and loose gingiva border, without notable loss of bone or tissue between teeth.
Class II – The root is only partly covered, and the gum recedes beyond the attached and loose gingiva border, with noticeable bone loss and loss of tissue between teeth.
Class IV – Severe recession of the gums, the root is not covered and there's a serious loss of bone and tissue.
What Can Cause Receding Gums?
1. Grinding/Clenching Teeth
Grinding/clenching your teeth can cause unwanted pressure and lead to your gum recession. Such pressure can also occur when you are eating, particularly if your teeth are not straight and orderly.
2. Genetics
It is possible that receding gums can be of a hereditary cause, meaning there is little option in terms of prevention.
3. Tobacco
Consumption of any type of tobacco will leave your mouth exposed to a harsh array of toxic chemicals, many of which are bad for your gums. This can lead to your gum lines receding, as well as several far more serious health complications.
4. Vigorous Teeth Brushing
As a known fact, brushing teeth improperly can make your gums recede. Yet, vigorous teeth brushing will also lead to receding gums. This is because brushing teeth vigorously will wear away tooth enamel.
5. Gingiva Disorders
Gingiva disorders or bacterial infections that affect your gums, such as gingivitis, can damage your gums and cause them to weaken and recede. For any health issues, you'd better consult your dentist timely.
6. Bad Oral Hygiene
Bad oral hygiene is one of the culprits of receding gums. If you fail to brush your teeth properly or seldom floss after meals, plaque may begin to build up, leading to recession of gums. Bad oral hygiene also allows bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, and causesmore serious complications.
7. Piercing
Piercing in tongue or lips also contributes to receding gums. The decoration stuff you wear in your lips or tongue (like jewels or metal things) may rub against your gums, which can cause them to recede.
8. Change in Hormones
Changes in hormone are reported to cause receding gums occasionally. This cause is more common in females. Hormonal changes can make gums to become more vulnerable and sensitive, and receding gums may happen.
Home Remedies to Help Your Receding Gums Grow Back
First please be noted that receding gums seldomly grow back, the best most home remedies can do it to help prevent it from receding further.
1. Green Tea
How it helps: Green tea is full of antioxidants helping to promote good health. A particular antioxidant called catechins, aids to strengthen your gums by reinforcing the connection between the gums and the teeth. This antioxidant also helps fight against periodontal diseases, which causes gum line recession. Besides, the anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea help to reduce gum swelling and allow them to heal correctly.
How to apply: Brew a cup of green tea in the morning, or enjoy one in the afternoon.
2. Aloe Vera
How it helps: Aloe vera is packed with anti-inflammatory properties, which is helpful in regards to tissue restoration. The herb also has antibacterial benefits, which helps to avoid infections.
How to apply: Aloe vera is best applied in the form of gel. The gel can be added to your toothbrush and brushed onto your teeth, this works best when used after normal brushing. Once you have brushed with the aloe vera gel, ensure to wash your mouth thoroughly. Alternatively, you can mix the gel with water to create a mouth wash.
3. Sesame Oil
How it helps: Used orally, sesame oil works to reduce toxins in your mouth as well as reduce your levels of plaque. The oil also provides a protective coating around your teeth that can help to avoid the development of plaque.
How to apply: Heat the oil slightly until warm but not hot. Once you have brushed your teeth, place the oil into your mouth and swirl it around for a few minutes. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the best results.
4. Coconut Oil
How it helps: Coconut oil has antimicrobial benefits, meaning it can help fight against bacteria and diseases. When used orally, coconut oil can be extremely beneficial to help receding gums to grow back.
How to apply: Place coconut oil into your mouth and swirl it around, for best results, do this for around 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Eucalyptus
How it helps: This herb helps to eradicate unwanted germs from the mouth when used orally, as well as offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Remember, it should always be diluted before being applied to the gums.
How to apply: Mix the oil with some water and apply the mixture to a brush, then gently apply the mixture to your gums.
6. Myrrh
How it helps: Myrrh contains resin which can helpto halt the progress of receding gums.
How to apply: Myrrh can be applied in the form of powder, toothpaste, as well as mouth rinse. You can massage the myrrh paste for several minutes to enjoy the most benefits.
7. Clove Oil
How it helps: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of clove oil can help to prevent gum recession.
How to apply: Gently massage clove oil into gums for a few minutes, or you can gently chew on a clove to release the oil.
8. Sodium Bicarbonate Paste
How it helps: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps to neutralize acidic substances generatedby bacteria, and helps to prevent diseases that cause gum recession.
How to apply: Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda and water into a bowl and mix until a paste forms. Massage the paste into your gums with your finger, and then wash your mouth with water.
9. Take Vitamins
How it helps: Vitamins help to avoid a wide array of health complications, including receding gums. Among so many vitamins, the vitamin C is specifically good for gum health.
How to apply: You can take vitamin supplements or obtain vitamins from fruit and vegetables, and the latter is more recommended.
Medical Procedures That Can Help Receding Gums Grow Back
If home remedies don't help, there are some medical procedures that might help.
1. Soft Tissue Graft
This is a simple procedure that involves harnessing tissue from other areas of the mouth which is used to cover theexposed areas due to receding gums. This procedure can be life-lasting and only need simple treatment for relieving pains during the course.
2. Bone Graft
Bone graft is needed when atrophy of jawbone occurs due to bacterial infections.
This procedure involves taking bone tissue from other areas of the body (hip, jaw, or tibia), which are used to help the bones grow back to support the gums and teeth.
Here is a video with more information on receding gum treatment: