3 Ways In Which You Can Naturally Beat Gum Recession

If some of your teeth appear to be longer than normal, you could be suffering from gum recession. Gum recession creates gaps or 'pockets' between the gum line and teeth. In effect, these gaps render the bone structure of the teeth prone to damages, which may lead to tooth loss. In fact, periodontal diseases such as receding gums account for 70% of tooth loss in adults. This is a problem that you should not ignore.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

While there are different factors that contribute to gum recession, here are the most common:

• Aggressive Tooth Brushing - It is important to brush your teeth regularly, but it is doing you more harm than good if you are doing it aggressively. Brushing your teeth aggressively forces the enamel -- outer layer of the tooth -- to wear away causing the gum to recede.
• Inadequate Dental Care - Failure to brush, floss or rinse the teeth with antibacterial mouthwash builds a perfect environment where plaque can thrive. Plaque can turn into tartar -- a hard substance that forms on and between the teeth -- which causes gum recession. Tartar can be difficult to deal with as it requires professional dental cleaning to be removed.
• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth - These two practices exert too much pressure on your teeth which may lead to gum recession.
• Crooked Teeth – When teeth are misaligned or crooked, it means that they do not come together evenly. As a result, too much force will be exerted on the gums forcing them to recede.

Natural Solutions to Gum Recession

Here are three ways in which you can beat gum recession:

• Oil Pulling - This Ayurvedic technique may reverse gum recession and promote the growth of gum. Take one tablespoon of virgin coconut oil or sesame oil and swish it around in your mouth. Then suck the oil through your teeth until it becomes thin and changes its color to white. Repeat this procedure three times a day before taking any meal.
• Eat More Vegetables and Fruits - Incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your meals. Vegetables and fruits which are rich in vitamin C in particular are of great help in curing gum recession. Vitamin C reduces inflammation caused by gum diseases and encourages gum regeneration. Vegetables rich in essential nutrients include asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower. The fruits include pineapple and strawberries.
• Practice Proper Dental Care - Ditch the aggressive method of brushing your teeth. In place, use gentle and circular motions. Also brush the teeth along the gum lines instead of pushing the gums upwards. Brushing the teeth in this manner gets rid of bacteria that cause gingivitis, which is one of the diseases that causes gum recession.

It is hard to tell if your gums are receding because the process is gradual. But symptoms like length of the teeth can help in identifying the problem.  You can also tell that your gums are receding when your teeth become too sensitive.