What do our gums do?
Gums are tissues that provide support to the teeth that enable them to function properly. Generally, they are light pink in colour, and have a rippled texture similar to an orange. When gums become unhealthy, they tend to swell, bleed, and recede. Aside from the pain created, unhealthy gums also make it hard to speak, eat, drink, and swallow.
What are receding gums?
Receding gums develop when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth starts to move away from the tooth.
Receding gums causes
The following are some causes of receding gums:
- Poor oral hygiene or accumulation of plaque, which causes the toxic substances released from bacteria build-up on plaque to destroy the gum tissue.
- Imbalanced dental occlusion (the way teeth come together), which may potentially traumatize the gums and bone.
- Teeth grinding and clenching.
- Dental fillings or crowns that are fitted without an adequate balance to the bite.
Oftentimes, receding gums can go undiagnosed until the changes around the teeth and gums are identified, and oral sensitivity is noticed.
How to stop receding gums naturally
Factors like inadequate nutrition and stress can directly affect gum health essential for the efficient functioning of the teeth. Luckily, there are several available natural remedies that can help prevent and offer treatment to receding gums.
Many vitamins contained in food sources and supplements may be beneficial in treating and preventing receding gums. Some of these include:
- Vitamin D, which contains anti-inflammatory qualities that may help decrease a person’s susceptibility to receding gums.
- Vitamin C, which contains powerful antioxidant capability that can assist in a faster bone regeneration and in repairing connective tissue.
- Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that can assist in repairing damaged and infected gum tissue.
Tea tree oil and cranberry both contain antibiotic properties that may be useful in treating receding gums. Tea tree oil may be beneficial in treating the symptoms of gum disorders like gingivitis and bleeding, and cranberry may inhibit bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
Recent scientific research has also revealed that stress can contribute to the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums, which oftentimes can result in gum disease. Stress levels can be reduced by:
- Physical exercise, like jogging, walking, swimming, yoga, or any other fitness program.
- Meditation and specialised breathing techniques.
- Watching a film or show that makes you laugh.
- Hanging out with your pet.
- Writing in a diary.
- Soothing your senses by getting back to nature.
- Learning to prioritise.
- Listening to your favorite music.
You may consider the following to prevent receding gums:
- Replace your old toothbrush with an oscillating rotating toothbrush.
- As often as possible, brushing and floss your teeth.
- Avoid strongly acidic foods like soft drinks, juices, and citrus fruits that may cause aggravation to sensitive teeth and cause damage to the gums over time.
- Have your dentist correct old dental fillings and crowns that do not meet properly.
- Switch to toothpaste that caters to a person with sensitive teeth
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