How to Stimulate Gum Growth

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Homemade Pastes

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Ozonated Olive Oil

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Oil Pulling

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Regular Gum Care

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Expert Q&A

If your gums have begun receding, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis, two gum diseases that can destroy the bones and tissues attached to your teeth.^{[1]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} While you should see a dental professional as soon as you experience pain or discomfort along your gums, you can try using at-home products to stimulate gum growth. Keep in mind that there is limited scientific evidence supporting natural remedies, so they should not be used in place of tooth brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Homemade Pastes

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Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water in a small cup. Stir the solution and continue to add water until a paste-like substance forms. It is important to combine the baking soda with water because baking soda alone is too harsh for your teeth and gums.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Apply the mixture to your gums. Dip one finger into the mixture and place it on your gum line. Gently massage your gums with your fingers using small circular motions. You can also apply the mixture to your gums using a soft toothbrush.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Massage for 2 minutes.
- Apply the mixture 2-3 times a week.
- Stop using the paste if you notice that your gums are becoming more irritated.
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Alternatively, make an herbal paste. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of mustard oil to make a paste. Use your fingers to massage the paste onto your gums twice a day.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Leave the paste on your gums for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth.
- Alternatively, add 3 grams of chopped sage leaves into 150 millilitres (5.1 fl oz) of warm water. Boil it for 10 minutes, then strain the mixture to get a clear liquid. Use the liquid as a mouthwash.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Both turmeric and sage have anti-inflammatory properties, and are often recommended for those dealing with gingivitis and periodontal infections.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Ozonated Olive Oil

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1
Purchase ozonated olive oil. Ozonated olive oil is pure olive oil that has undergone ozonization, a process that turns it from a greenish-colored liquid to a white-colored gel.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source} Studies show that ozonated olive oil has the ability to fight harmful bacteria and microorganisms in your mouth, as well as slow down the progression of aggressive periodontitis.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source} You can purchase ozonated olive oil from an online retailer like Amazon.
- Ozonated olive oil has been shown to heal gum wounds after surgery.^{[10]XResearch source} It may also improve the symptoms of oral diseases.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source}
- Refrigerate your ozonated olive oil or keep it away from sunlight at room temperature.
- Many people have had good results with this treatment, but the only way to halt gum recession is to get medical attention from a professional. Ozone therapy is known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a common procedure to fight periodontitis.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Brush and floss your teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. After you are done brushing, floss each tooth to remove any plaque and debris.^{[13]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Be careful not to brush too hard before applying the oil.
3
Apply the oil to your gums. Apply 2 millilitres (0.41 tsp) of oil to your gums using your index finger, then massage your gum in circular motions for 10 minutes.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Once you have applied the oil, do not eat, rinse, or drink anything for 30 minutes.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source}
- You can also massage your gums with sesame or coconut oil.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Do not use ozonated olive oil if you have had a recent heart attack, are pregnant, have hyperthyroidism, are intoxicated with alcohol, or have a hemorrhage in any of your organs.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Oil Pulling

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1
Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Oil pulling is used to remove impurities from your mouth.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} You can use coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Coconut oil is the most popular, but it is solid below 77 °F (25 °C).^{[20]XResearch source} Since it’s hard to swish around a chunk of oil, blend it with sesame and sunflower oil so the mixture will not harden.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Children (5-12 years old) should only use 5 millilitres (1.0 tsp)-10 millilitres (2.0 tsp) of coconut oil.^{[22]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Sesame oil is the preferred oil of choice in Indian culture. Sesame oil is high in antioxidants, has antifungal properties, and has been found to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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Swish the oil around. Swish 10 millilitres (0.68 US tbsp) of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.^{[24]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} The oil will become thin and turn into a milky white color. The swishing motion activates salivary enzymes that absorb toxins and bacteria, so do not swallow the oil.^{[25]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- It is best to oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.^{[26]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you are unable to do 10-15 minutes a day, start with 5 minutes and work your way up.
3
Brush your teeth. Once you spit out the oil, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water as you normally would. Oil pulling is not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and oral care, and it should be used as a supplement to what you usually do.^{[27]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Studies show that oil pulling may reduce plaque growth and build up, which are the main causes of gingivitis.^{[28]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you oil pull twice a day, you may see an improvement in plaque buildup in 14 days.^{[29]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Although the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling, it has been used for centuries to take care of teeth and gums. Even if you use this technique, see a medical professional to stop gum recession.^{[30]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Regular Gum Care

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1
Know the causes of receding gums. There are many factors that can cause your gums to recede, and your dentist can help you identify any risk factors that you may have.^{[31]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} Common causes of receding gums include:^{[32]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Trauma
- Periodontal disease
- Brushing too aggressively^{[33]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Abnormal tooth positioning
- Dental plaque or tartar buildup
- Being born with naturally thin or weak gums
- Smoking and using tobacco
- Having lip and tongue piercings
2
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth twice a day. Position the bristles at a 45-degree angle from your teeth so you can clean between your gums and teeth.^{[34]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source} Brush gently in small, circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes, especially along your gum line.^{[35]XResearch source}
- Be sure to brush all the different surfaces of your teeth.^{[36]XResearch source}
- Brush your tongue when you are finished to keep your mouth clean.^{[37]XResearch source}
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become worn.^{[38]XResearch source}
3
Floss daily. Flossing helps remove plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone.^{[39]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} Take about 12 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers.^{[40]XResearch source} Make a “C” shape when rubbing the floss between your teeth and gum line. Be gentle and never snap the floss into your gums.^{[41]XResearch source}
- You can use dental floss, a dental pick, or a pre-threaded flosser. Talk to your dentist about which tool is best for you.^{[42]XResearch source}
4
Visit a dentist regularly. The frequency of your dentist visits depends on the health of your teeth and gums.^{[43]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} Most adults need to go once or twice a year.^{[44]XTrustworthy SourceUS Office on Women's HealthU.S. government agency providing resources for women's healthGo to source} Your dentist will focus on preventive care and your overall oral health.^{[45]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Board certified dentist Tu Anh Vu recommends going to the dentist “twice a year…every 6 months.”^{[46]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
5
See a specialist. If your regular dentist feels that you need more intensive care, make an appointment to see a specialist. A periodontist can perform specialized treatments and surgical procedures to increase gum growth, such as scaling and root planing.^{[47]XResearch source} However, these treatments are typically expensive and invasive.
- Possible treatments to fix your gums include scaling and root planing, gingival flap surgery, or a gum graft, but your dentist will decide what is best for you.^{[48]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
What does it mean if my gums bleed when I floss?
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Answer
People think they are flossing too hard if they're flossing and they see blood, but that's not actually accurate. Usually, it means you have inflammation of the gums and that you need to be more consistent with your flossing. It also suggests that you're not doing it well enough and deep enough.
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Question
Why are my gums receding?
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Answer
You may have periodontitis or gum recession. The only way to know the reason it's happening to you is to visit a dentist. They can diagnose the cause of your receding gums.
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Question
Is there a way to build bone back up into the gums once it starts receding?
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Expert Answer
Once the bone started to recede the process can only be stopped or reversed using surgical methods performed by a dental surgeon or periodontist.Root scaling and planing can stop bone resorption, but it requires a constant check every 6 months and a proper oral hygiene. In some cases, bone grafting is used to build bone back, especially in severe periodontitis or before/during implant placement. Antibiotics such as tetracycline can also be used to stop bone resorption but this depends whether the cause is hormonal, bacterial or a combination of the two.
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