When it comes to taking care of your mouth, most people know that they are supposed to brush their teeth several times a day. Many people even take their dentist's advice and are sure to use dental floss and mouthwash as well.
But is basic dental care enough to make sure we don't have to deal with painful receding gums? Not necessarily.
According to the American Dental Association, "Gum recession can happen to people of all ages. Sometimes, it happens even if a person takes good care of his or her teeth."
This extremely common occurrence can not only put your teeth at risk, but it can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful! Fortunately, there is something we can do about it.
Scroll through below for a look at five surprising causes and five easy at-home treatments for receding gums. Most of these ideas were totally unexpected — who knew that brushing my teeth with aloe vera could make such a huge difference?
They might sound strange, but these gum-saving ideas may finally put a stop to tooth and gum pain, or prevent it from even starting in the first place.
What other remedies have you tried for stopping gum recession? Let us know in the comments!
Do I Have Receding Gums?
According to WebMD, "Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root."
Receding gums can lead to a wide variety of painful problems, such as tooth sensitivity, inflamed gums, nerve pain, cavities, and even tooth loss.
In addition to the pain, you should be able to observe if you have receding gums by examining them visually or consulting with your dentist.
Keep scrolling for five surprising causes and five at-home treatments for this potentially painful gum condition.
Five Surprising Causes Of Receding Gums Cause #1: Brushing Too Hard
Vigorous brushing one time isn't going to cause your gums to recede. But according to Healthline, brushing too hard over time can cause these potentially painful gums.
Instead, focus on gentler massaging of the gums and a less aggressive brushing of the teeth, particularly around the gum line.
Cause #2: Hormonal Changes
It might sound surprising, but changes in your hormones can actually cause your gums to recede.
WebMD writes, "Fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman's lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession."
Cause #3: Smoking
There are many reasons why smoking is bad for your health. But for those concerned about painful gum recession, it may finally be time to put down the cigarettes.
According to the American Dental Association, "Gum recession can be caused by smoking and using any kind of tobacco."
Cause #4: Grinding Your Teeth
If you find yourself grinding your teeth at night, you may wake up to a sore jaw and an angry spouse.
But more importantly, teeth grinding is a large cause of receding gums. If you believe you are grinding your teeth at night, let your dentist know as there are a variety of easy treatment options.
Cause #5: Poor Oral Hygiene
Has your toothbrush been growing cobwebs? Well, this may be why your gums have begun to recede.
According to WebMD, "Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar)… It can lead to gum recession."
Knowing these surprising causes can help you prevent gum recession from occurring. But for those who already experience this potentially painful gum condition, keep scrolling for some easy at-home remedies!
Five Easy At-Home Remedies For Receding Gums Remedy #1: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an easy way to help repair tissue for those with receding gums.
Simply put this versatile gel on your toothbrush, and use it as toothpaste after your normal brushing and flossing. As another option, you can also mix it with water and use it as a post-brushing mouthwash.
Remedy #2: Green Tea
New Health Advisor recommends green tea for combatting gum recession.
They write, "Green tea reduces the damage that receding gums cause on teeth. In addition, it helps to relieve inflamed gums and kills any bacteria that could lead to periodontal problems."
Remedy #3: Vitamin C
There are a wide variety of fruits and foods that contain this much-needed vitamin.
And vitamin C really is "much needed" if you are suffering from gum recession.
PerioProtect.com writes of vitamin C, "This is one of the natural cures for gum disease that has been used for centuries as means to stop gum swelling, bleeding, recession, and loosened teeth."
Remedy #4: Coconut Oil
Have you ever spotted coconut oil in the health aisle at your grocery store? Well, this amazing oil can work wonders on your teeth and gums.
After you finish brushing your teeth, simply swish some coconut oil around in your mouth to treat and prevent receding gums.
Remedy #5: Water
But above all else? Drink lots and lots of water every day.
According to Rapid Home Remedies, "When you drink lots of water, all the toxins get flushed off your body, and this includes your mouth, too. This prevents your mouth from getting any bacterial infection, and thus, there is no gum recession."
Paying attention to these surprising causes and trying these at-home remedies can truly help put an end to painful receding gums!
What other tips would you suggest to combat gum recession? Let us know in the comments.
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