Receding gums is a common problem, but it can be painful, and if left untreated, can turn into a serious issue that may require surgery. Fortunately, there are things that you can do within the comfort of your own home in order to treat, improve, and prevent receding gums. Continue reading to discover the best five ways in which to combat this problem.
Brush, Floss, and Mouthwash
Maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene is the most essential step in improving receding gums. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, making sure your toothbrush has soft bristles and that you brush softly so no additional damage is done to your gums. Accompany the brushing with flossing and a mouthwash solution that promotes gum health. If you do not drink fluoridated water, it is important to use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride, since fluoride has been shown to help prevent cavities and maintain oral health.
Baking Soda Massage
Baking soda can go far in helping your receding gums. Massage your entire gum line with a baking soda solution in order to neutralize the acids that bacteria usually feed on. This will help you prevent decay in the gums, while the light massage can help to stimulate gum growth as well as increase blood circulation.
Probiotic Foods
Yogurt, miso, fermented vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut, and some aged cheeses are a few foods that contain probiotics. Probiotics are well known for their ability to improve gum health, but there is also research that shows they also are beneficial for oral health. Eating two to three servings of probiotic foods per week can help to improve your oral and digestive health.
Get Enough Vitamin C
Vitamin C is excellent for oral health as a whole: it battles gingivitis, prevents tooth loss, maintains healthy teeth and battles oral bacteria. Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation in the gums and helps your body fight against infections. To increase your vitamin C intake, eat foods such as grapefruit, pineapple, cauliflower, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables.
Watch What You Drink
Try to avoid drinking sugary beverages, coffee, and black tea for one to two hours after eating. This time will allow your gums to interact with natural, undiluted saliva, which can greatly improve receding gums. Sugary drinks can also stick to the teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria.
Suffering from receding gums can cause a lot of worry and stress, and the best person to advise you on how to treat the situation is your dentist. There are things you can do at home to give your gums the best chance of good health and prevent them from receding.