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What Are Natural Remedies for Receding Gums?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Natural remedies for receding gums include botanical ingredients known to be effective in killing bacteria while remaining gentle. Using some type of antimicrobial mouthwash or paste could help, and these products can be found at health food stores. Homeopathic remedies can also be purchased online, although caution should be taken to assure the best quality. Vinegar and water used as a mouthwash may also be one of the effective natural remedies for receding gums, although those with sensitive gums and teeth should proceed with caution. It's best to consult with a dentist or dental hygienist for advice before self treating receding gums, which could be a symptom of gingivitis.

Botanical ingredients that may be found in one's own garden can make excellent natural remedies for receding gums. This is because certain plants have natural healing properties that can stop receding gums or slow down the process. One such plant is the wild herb yarrow, which may be grown in a garden. The flowers or leaves from the yarrow plant may reduce plaque with their antimicrobial properties. When rubbing the leaves along the gumline, it's best to use gentle, slow strokes to avoid irritation.

A woman with healthy gums.
A woman with healthy gums.

Some dental hygienists recommend using a few drops of eucalyptus oil in some water as one of the homeopathic remedies for receding gums. Rinsing with this mixture twice daily or after brushing and flossing can reduce tartar build up and plaque, both of which are contributing factors to a receding gumline. Additionally, the solution can be gently massaged directly to the gums.

Antimicrobial mouthwash may be helpful when dealing with receding gums.
Antimicrobial mouthwash may be helpful when dealing with receding gums.

All-natural toothpastes may be one of the natural remedies for receding gums. Toothpaste that contains peppermint may also be beneficial for fighting plaque, which can promote bacterial growth and lead to gum problems. A natural toothpaste made with grape extract is another product to look for.

Prevention is a vital part of proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing after meals is essential, and a health diet may also be beneficial. Cutting back on sweets or foods with a high acidic level may be helpful for receding gums. Cigarette smoking can be harmful for the gums as well.

A dental hygienist can offer advice about treating receding gums.
A dental hygienist can offer advice about treating receding gums.

Many homeopathic or holistic doctors recommend natural herbal supplements. These supplements can be found in health food stores and may include ingredients such as ginseng and echinacea. For those who take prescription medications, it's best to consult with a health care provider to inquire about potential interactions.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

Sometimes there just aren't natural cures for receding gums, especially when a good portion of the teeth are exposed and pain and dental cavities are also part of the problem. The best solution in my opinion is to visit a dentist and getting the problem under control before trying natural remedies for gum recession.

Raynbow

@heavanet- You are right, and the article does warn against using a natural remedy for receding gums before seeking the advice of a professional.

I can see how vinegar would help though, because it does have cleaning and disinfecting powers. I think if someone wanted to give this natural remedy a try, it would be o.k. as long as that person brushed his or teeth immediately after using a vinegar and water rinse.

Heavanet

The article mentions using vinegar and water as a natural mouth rinse to help receding gums, but wouldn't that be counterproductive? I've heard that foods and drinks that have high levels of acid in them can actually be harmful.

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    • A woman with healthy gums.
      By: elavuk81
      A woman with healthy gums.
    • Antimicrobial mouthwash may be helpful when dealing with receding gums.
      By: ijacky
      Antimicrobial mouthwash may be helpful when dealing with receding gums.
    • A dental hygienist can offer advice about treating receding gums.
      By: xalanx
      A dental hygienist can offer advice about treating receding gums.
    • Brushing and flossing after meals is an essential part of preventing gum problems.
      By: legaa
      Brushing and flossing after meals is an essential part of preventing gum problems.