If the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place become infected, you could experience gum disease (periodontitis). If the infection is unchecked, the gums pull away from the teeth, or recede.
Conventional treatment for periodontal disease includes:
professional deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing
prescription antibacterial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine
prescription antibiotic medication
a surgical procedure called a flap surgery to access the roots, and possibly bone and tissue grafts
Read on to learn about 7 natural remedies for receding gums
1. Oil pulling
In a 2009 studyTrusted Source, the ayurvedic practice of oil pulling showed a reduction of plaque in individuals with gingivitis.
To try oil pulling, swish a tablespoon of a high-quality coconut oil around your mouth for about 20 minutes. This swishing “pulls” the oil between your teeth. Then spit the oil out, rinse your mouth with warm tap or saline water, and brush your teeth.
The traditional oil to use for this technique is sesame oil. But 2012 research on tooth decay from Athlone Institute of Technology indicates that coconut oil may prevent the Streptococcus mutans bacteria from damaging tooth enamel.
2. Eucalyptus oil
According to a 2008 study, eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory germicide that may treat receding gums and stimulate the growth of new gum tissue.
3. Salt
For use as a bacterial agent and for soothing gum inflammation, a 2016 studyTrusted Source suggests asaltwater rinse could be effective. To do a salt rinse:
- Thoroughly combine 1 tsp. of salt and 1 cup of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with this saltwater mixture for 30 seconds.
- Spit out the rinse — don’t swallow it.
- Repeat this two to three times a day.
4. Green tea
According to a 2009 studyTrusted Source, drinking green tea can help promote healthy teeth and gums and may actually ward off disease. Try drinking one to two cups of green tea daily.
5. Peppermint essential oil
According to a 2013 articleTrusted Source in the European Journal of Dentistry, peppermint oil can be effective in preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms in the mouth.
6. Aloe vera
A 2009 studyTrusted Source showed that aloe vera can be effective in promoting oral health: injecting medicinal-grade aloe vera gel into inflamed gums resulted in improvement of periodontal conditions.
7. Septilin
Septilin is a proprietary multi-herbal preparation of guggul, guduchi, licorice, and other compounds. A 2014 clinical trialTrusted Source published in the Journal of Periodontal Implant Science suggests that taking Septilin improves periodontal treatment outcomes.
Septilin is available in both tablet and syrup form. The recommended dosage for adults is two tablets taken twice daily, or 2 teaspoons of syrup taken three times a day.
