This gum issue is called ‘receding gums’. As you might have guessed, it is the condition when gaps develop between your gums and your teeth. The gums seem to go backwards, so that a larger surface area of the tooth is seen. Bacteria start to build up in this area. Gradually, the roots of the tooth are bared. This, obviously, is a very painful condition. The tooth gets very sensitive. This gradually leads to losing the tooth, since the bacterial infection causes damage to the underlying structure of the bone, and the tissue that supports it.
What are the symptoms?
Receding gums is common, but many people affected by it do not notice it. This is because the recession occurs very slowly. However, one has to be aware of the symptoms as soon as they start. The symptoms of this common problem are the following.
1. Tooth ache
2. Tooth looking longer or larger than before
3. Sensitive teeth
Causes
Why does receding gums occur? The following are the common causes.
1. Aggressive brushing of the teeth. Many people, with the intention that their teeth should be very clean or very white, use all their might on brushing, with the result that the enamel covering your teeth wears away. This results in the gums receding.
2. Receding gums can occur as a hereditary trait. There is little that one can do if this is the case, but awareness about it can prevent it to some extent.
3. Bacterial infections in the gums can result in periodontal diseases. Such infections cause injury to the gum tissue as well as the bone supporting the teeth. This also leads to receding gums.
4. Some people have this problem after wearing jewellery after piercing the tongue or lips. The ornament might rub against the gums and cause it to erode.
5. Changes in hormones cause havoc with the body in many cases. Gum recession also can be caused by hormonal imbalance. Such imbalance renders the gums more sensitive and fragile.
6. Of course, right? People who ingest tobacco are at risk of plaque formation on the teeth, which cause receding gums.
7. Are you in the habit of clenching or grinding teeth? This causes pressure on the teeth and ultimately gum recession. If you have crooked teeth for example, when you bite the upper and lower teeth do not meet, which leads you to apply more force than usual. If you regularly do it, you get receding gums.
8. You guessed it. Don’t brush every day? Too lazy to floss? Well, poor oral hygiene is a rather obvious reason to the build-up of plague and tartar. The latter, tartar gets deposited between the teeth, and gradually causes receding gums.
Treatment
As soon as you notice a gap between your gum and the tooth, get an appointment with your dentist. The common treatment is tooth scaling, during which the dentist gets the tartar and the plaque out from in between the teeth and the surfaces of the roots beyond the gum line.
However, if the problem is more serious, you may have to opt for gum surgery. Typically, such surgeries involve grafting of soft tissue, regenerating the lost tissue of gums and the bone, and procedures such as pocket depth reduction.
If the problem is mild, and you would rather try home remedies first, there are some that you can try without much hassle. These remedies do work, if done regularly.
Sesame oil and coconut oil
Sesame oil, which is anti-inflammatory, is famous in its ability to heal cavities. It can remove toxins from the mouth and reverse plaque buildup. This is because it gives the teeth a coating as protection. Warm it up, and swirl it around your mouth for a few minutes. For best results, do it for 15-20 minutes every day.
You can do the same procedure with coconut oil, which has antimicrobial properties.
Green tea
The healing properties of green tea are legendary. It is loaded with antioxidants, that fight free radicals that are the causes of many illnesses. In fact, the free radicals in your mouth can be the reason for periodontal disease, leading upto receding gums. In addition, green tea has catechins, which is an antioxidant that specifically works against periodontal disease. They fortify the bond between the teeth and the gums. Gum-swelling can also be reduced by the anti-inflammatory properties that green tea has. If inflammation is present, oral diseases do not clear up.
Aloe vera
The popularity of aloe vera in skin care is undisputable. It repairs cells and fights inflammation. It works against receding gums because it brings the inflammation of the gums down. It is also anti-bacterial.
Clove oil, Eucalyptus oil and Myrrh
A well-known property of clove is as a numbing agent when there is pain on the tooth. It is also used to fight bad breath. Now, if you use clove oil, just get one or two drops and massage your gums with it. However, if you are on blood clotting medication, you have to consult your doctor before doing this.
Eucalyptus oil is a germicide that is very effective in killing the germs in your mouth and preventing oral diseases. However, it should not be applied directly. Dilute it with water and massage gently on your gums.
The massaging can be done with myrrh also. After you crush it to get it in powdered form, mix it with water and apply it on your gums.
Lemon oil
Lemon is well-known as an anti-bacterial and antiseptic agent. It also encourages the growth of gum tissue. It fights bad breath. You can make lemon oil by mixing the j
The mild anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of lemon come handy when it comes to keep your mouth germ free. In fact, it is also a good remedy for growing back receding gums as it stimulates the growth of new gum tissue. The refreshing smell of lemon keeps all bad breath away too. However, because lemon is acidic in nature, its regular use may damage the enamel of your teeth. Therefore it is recommended to use lemon oil only once a week and not daily. Instead of using the very strong lemon essential oil, try making your own lemon oil at home so that you are saved from the damaging effects it has on your tooth enamel.
Make lemon oil at home for receding gums
Get this:
– Olive oil- 1/4 – 1/2 cup
– Lemon juice – from 1/2 – 1 fresh lemon
Do this:
– Take the oil in a jar with lid.
– Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice into this oil.
– Cover the jar with the lid.
– Shake it well and place it in shade to prepare an infusion.
– Let this infuse for few weeks before you start using it for your oral health.
– Shake it once every day.
– After a few weeks, may be 3-4 weeks, start using this lemon oil.
– To use it, you can take a small amount of the lemon oil on to your finger or a tooth brush.
– Massage your gums gently with this for few minutes.
– Do this only once a week or at the most twice a week, not more than that.
Source: Nutri Lover