If your gums have begun receding, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis, two gum diseases that can destroy the bones and tissues attached to your teeth. [1]
X
Expert Source
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
While you should see a dental professional
as soon as you experience pain or discomfort along your gums, you can try using at-home products to stimulate gum growth
. Keep in mind that there is limited scientific evidence supporting natural remedies, so they should not be used in place of tooth brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. [2]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source
Steps
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Mix baking soda with water. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water in a small cup. Stir the solution and continue to add water until a paste-like substance forms. It is important to combine the baking soda with water because baking soda alone is too harsh for your teeth and gums. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Apply the mixture to your gums. Dip one finger into the mixture and place it on your gum line. Gently massage your gums with your fingers using small circular motions. You can also apply the mixture to your gums using a soft toothbrush. [4] X Research source
- Massage for 2 minutes.
- Apply the mixture 2-3 times a week.
- Stop using the paste if you notice that your gums are becoming more irritated.
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Alternatively, make an herbal paste. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of mustard oil to make a paste. Use your fingers to massage the paste onto your gums twice a day. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Leave the paste on your gums for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth.
- Alternatively, add 3 grams of chopped sage leaves into 150 millilitres (5.1 fl oz) of warm water. Boil it for 10 minutes, then strain the mixture to get a clear liquid. Use the liquid as a mouthwash. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Both turmeric and sage have anti-inflammatory properties, and are often recommended for those dealing with gingivitis and periodontal infections. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Purchase ozonated olive oil. Ozonated olive oil is pure olive oil that has undergone ozonization, a process that turns it from a greenish-colored liquid to a white-colored gel. [8] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source Studies show that ozonated olive oil has the ability to fight harmful bacteria and microorganisms in your mouth, as well as slow down the progression of aggressive periodontitis. [9] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source You can purchase ozonated olive oil from an online retailer like Amazon.
- Ozonated olive oil has been shown to heal gum wounds after surgery. [10] X Research source It may also improve the symptoms of oral diseases. [11] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
- Refrigerate your ozonated olive oil or keep it away from sunlight at room temperature.
- Many people have had good results with this treatment, but the only way to halt gum recession is to get medical attention from a professional. Ozone therapy is known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a common procedure to fight periodontitis. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Brush and floss your teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. After you are done brushing, floss each tooth to remove any plaque and debris. [13] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.- Be careful not to brush too hard before applying the oil.
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Apply the oil to your gums. Apply 2 millilitres (0.41 tsp) of oil to your gums using your index finger, then massage your gum in circular motions for 10 minutes. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Once you have applied the oil, do not eat, rinse, or drink anything for 30 minutes. [15] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
- You can also massage your gums with sesame or coconut oil. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Do not use ozonated olive oil if you have had a recent heart attack, are pregnant, have hyperthyroidism, are intoxicated with alcohol, or have a hemorrhage in any of your organs. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Oil pulling is used to remove impurities from your mouth. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can use coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Coconut oil is the most popular, but it is solid below 77 °F (25 °C). [20] X Research source Since it’s hard to swish around a chunk of oil, blend it with sesame and sunflower oil so the mixture will not harden. [21] X Research source
- Children (5-12 years old) should only use 5 millilitres (1.0 tsp)-10 millilitres (2.0 tsp) of coconut oil. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Sesame oil is the preferred oil of choice in Indian culture. Sesame oil is high in antioxidants, has antifungal properties, and has been found to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis. [23] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Swish the oil around. Swish 10 millilitres (0.68 US tbsp) of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The oil will become thin and turn into a milky white color. The swishing motion activates salivary enzymes that absorb toxins and bacteria, so do not swallow the oil. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- It is best to oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- If you are unable to do 10-15 minutes a day, start with 5 minutes and work your way up.
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Brush your teeth. Once you spit out the oil, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water as you normally would. Oil pulling is not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and oral care, and it should be used as a supplement to what you usually do. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Studies show that oil pulling may reduce plaque growth and build up, which are the main causes of gingivitis. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- If you oil pull twice a day, you may see an improvement in plaque buildup in 14 days. [29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Although the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling, it has been used for centuries to take care of teeth and gums. Even if you use this technique, see a medical professional to stop gum recession . [30] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Know the causes of receding gums. There are many factors that can cause your gums to recede, and your dentist can help you identify any risk factors that you may have. [31] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. Common causes of receding gums include: [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- Trauma
- Periodontal disease
- Brushing too aggressively [33] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Abnormal tooth positioning
- Dental plaque or tartar buildup
- Being born with naturally thin or weak gums
- Smoking and using tobacco
- Having lip and tongue piercings
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Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth twice a day. Position the bristles at a 45-degree angle from your teeth so you can clean between your gums and teeth. [34] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Brush gently in small, circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes, especially along your gum line. [35] X Research source
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Floss daily. Flossing helps remove plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. [39] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. Take about 12 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers. [40] X Research source Make a “C” shape when rubbing the floss between your teeth and gum line. Be gentle and never snap the floss into your gums. [41] X Research source- You can use dental floss, a dental pick, or a pre-threaded flosser. Talk to your dentist about which tool is best for you. [42] X Research source
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Visit a dentist regularly. The frequency of your dentist visits depends on the health of your teeth and gums. [43] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. Most adults need to go once or twice a year. [44] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source Your dentist will focus on preventive care and your overall oral health. [45] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source- Board certified dentist Tu Anh Vu recommends going to the dentist “twice a year…every 6 months.” [46]
X
Expert Source
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- Board certified dentist Tu Anh Vu recommends going to the dentist “twice a year…every 6 months.” [46]
X
Expert Source
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
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See a specialist. If your regular dentist feels that you need more intensive care, make an appointment to see a specialist. A periodontist can perform specialized treatments and surgical procedures to increase gum growth, such as scaling and root planing. [47] X Research source However, these treatments are typically expensive and invasive.
- Possible treatments to fix your gums include scaling and root planing, gingival flap surgery, or a gum graft, but your dentist will decide what is best for you. [48] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat does it mean if my gums bleed when I floss?Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.People think they are flossing too hard if they're flossing and they see blood, but that's not actually accurate. Usually, it means you have inflammation of the gums and that you need to be more consistent with your flossing. It also suggests that you're not doing it well enough and deep enough.
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QuestionWhy are my gums receding?Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.You may have periodontitis or gum recession. The only way to know the reason it's happening to you is to visit a dentist. They can diagnose the cause of your receding gums.
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QuestionIs there a way to build bone back up into the gums once it starts receding?Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.Once the bone started to recede the process can only be stopped or reversed using surgical methods performed by a dental surgeon or periodontist. Root scaling and planing can stop bone resorption, but it requires a constant check every 6 months and a proper oral hygiene. In some cases, bone grafting is used to build bone back, especially in severe periodontitis or before/during implant placement. Antibiotics such as tetracycline can also be used to stop bone resorption but this depends whether the cause is hormonal, bacterial or a combination of the two.
Tips
References
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6850485/
- ↑ https://www.drkubiczek.com/baking-soda-paste.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10630018/#
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10630018/#
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10630018/#
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687857414000183
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687857414000183
- ↑ http://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/336889
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687857414000183
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722714/
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158583/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687857414000183
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158583/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662033/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602184/
- ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/
- ↑ http://www.livescience.com/50896-oil-pulling-facts.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109859/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-oil-pulling-your-best-choice-for-dental-health
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602184/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4944726/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession#symptoms-and-causes
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-the-right-way-to-brush-your-teeth-202211232854
- ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
- ↑ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
- ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/oral-health/flossing-brushing.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/Flossing-508.pdf
- ↑ https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/oral-health/flossing-brushing.pdf
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/oral-health
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/
- ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.perio.org/for-patients/what-is-a-periodontist/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23461-periodontics-periodontist
About This Article
To stimulate gum growth, try mixing 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water and then gently massaging the paste into your teeth for 2 minutes, repeating 2-3 times a week. You can also try mixing turmeric powder and water and then applying the paste to your gums with a toothbrush, which can help fight bacteria and inflammation. Also, try oil pulling to remove impurities in your mouth that can affect your gums. Just swish coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before spitting it out, repeating every day. To learn how to use ozonated olive oil to stimulate gum growth, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
- "Informative. I now know the reason behind bone loss and receding gums. I wish to use the methods prescribed to improve my gum line. It is quite heartening to know that there are ways to improve and regrow the gums." ..." more