How to Prevent Gums from Receding | Snohomish Dentist

According to the New York Times, more than 75% of adults in America will have some sort of gum disease in their lifetime. Gingivitis is the early stages of periodontal disease, caused by plaque formed along the gum line. Periodontal disease, like gingivitis, can cause your gums to become red, sore and inflamed. It could also cause your gums to bleed. Thankfully, gingivitis is easily remedied. By continuing to brush, floss and rinse daily, you are going to be reversing the effects the gingivitis has on your gums. Visiting your dentist for a good office cleaning is also going to help heal any sort of gingivitis you may be developing. Because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis will cause the inner layer of gum and bone to pull away. If left untreated, the spaces allow debris to collect, causing the gums to become infected.

We all know we need to keep a daily dental regime if we want our teeth to remain healthy. Visiting the dentist twice a year also takes proactive steps to keeping your smile bright. But if you do happen to develop some form of gum disease, worry not. There are ways you can heal those sore gums with regular everyday items.

Baking Soda. According to the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, baking soda toothpaste is great on your teeth because it helps loosen plaque in those areas harder to reach. For a DIY version, just mix a little bit of baking soda with some water and apply it to your gum line to help aid in keeping the area from getting infected.

Turmeric. Believe it or not, turmeric is the a natural aid for inflammation, which makes it ideal for treating gum disease. Just mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric to ½ teaspoon salt and mustard oil into a paste, and apply it to your infected gums twice a day.

Aloe Vera. Not only does aloe vera soothe a sunburn and aid in healing wounds, but you can also use the organic, food-grade gel to relieve the swelling and pain in your gums. It’s anti-bacterial properties is an all-around soothing agent for your inflamed gums.

Tea Tree Oil. When it comes to antiseptics, tea tree oil is one of the best we have. Just a couple of drops rubbed along the affected area will help ease the symptoms you’re feeling. In fact, it isn’t just limited to gum disease. Tea tree oil also works great on other oral infections, like thrush.

Clove Oil. When it comes to toothaches, nothing beats a little clove oil. But when you have gum disease, applying a little on your gums will help soothe the pain you feel along your gum line. However, using an all-natural clove toothpaste every few days is more beneficial as regular use of clove oil may cause damage to your teeth and gums from overuse.

Coconut Oil. Oil pulling is an ancient process that has tons of health benefits. Lauric acid is one of its components, which helps disinfect and reduce gum inflammation. A tablespoon every morning will naturally hydrate and protect your gums, making gum disease development difficult.

It is important to take care of our teeth by following a regular dental routine and regular dental visits. But when something unfortunate does arise, it’s nice to know there is something we can do to naturally help heal gum disease.

For more information regarding receding gums, contact Dr. Ted Haines, DDS in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.tedhainesdds.com for additional information.

Dr. Ted Haines proudly accepts patients from Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.