Receding gums is a common problem amongst adults over forty, but I have also seen teenagers and young adults with this issue from time to time. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth become exposed and cause hypersensitivity to touch, temperature, and to sweet, salty and sour substances.
There are several possible causes for receding gums, including poor dental hygiene, accumulated plaque, bacteria, dental occlusion, grinding the teeth, poor dental work, over flossing, and mental stress. Below are some simple Ayurvedic tips for maintaining and restoring the health of the teeth and gums.
It is important to brush your teeth regularly and in a gentle circular fashion. Do not scrub them like a dirty pan! Flossing 3-5 times a week is sufficient. One of the best antimicrobial herbs used to cleanse and purify the mouth is neem. I recommend my clients to brush with a neem bark tooth powder, which also contains cloves and cinnamon, as well as to use a neem bark mouthwash.
In Ayurveda, swishing or gargling with medicinal substances is known as kavala or gandusha. One of the most popular and simple methods of kavala is to swish with sesame oil. This treatment has been recommended in Ayurveda for more than 3000 years to strengthen the roots of the teeth and gums. This is performed by tilting your chin back slightly while swishing with a small amount of sesame oil and pushing it back and forth through the teeth for several minutes. Then spit out the oil and massage the remaining oil into your gums with a finger and rinse your mouth with water. You can do this daily for a period of several weeks or until your gums improve.
Tea tree essential oil is also a great remedy for overall oral hygiene. A few drops can be applied to your tooth brush or smeared onto dental floss. Putting a few drops in a cup of water can also be used as a swish or gargle. It effectively treats receding, puffy, or bleeding gums, as well as gingivitis, pyorrhea, plaque, and bad breath.
Also, chewing a rounded tablespoon of white hulled sesame seeds in the morning is a good source of calcium and helps to nourish your bones and strengthen your teeth.
Furthermore, reducing stress with activities like yoga, meditation, tai chi, and nature walks can help to process unresolved thoughts, feelings, and emotions, thus helping to release chronic tension in the head.
respected sir,
i am a dental student doing my masters in periodontology. i am deeply fascinated by the prospect of ayurvedic treatment for gum problems and disappointed by the lack of the research and developement aspect for the same. would you kindly suggest whether any research work is being done in this aspect? it would be heartening to see these remedies appear in textbooks of periodontics.
thanking you
dr rucha shah
Thanks for your interest. I am not sure about any research being done on a large scale by the medical community. I am sure that some research is being done, but the benefits are experienced by many alternative health practitioners and herbalist in clinical practice. Good luck with your studies. I will let you know if I come across any research on the subject. Regards, Vishnu Dass
Nice and very useful information for the patients having toothache or gum problems.
thanks a lot to Vishnu Dass ji.
Hi Anonymous, I have been out of touch with my blog, but am back and wanted to say thanks for your response. Do stay connected for upcoming posts. Do you go by anonymous on the Aya forum???
Dear Vishnudasa, I think I suffer from receding gums.. and i know the reason is most probably brushing my teeth like “dirty pans” 🙂 I will try the remedies suggested and keep you posted 🙂
Good luck, Brush with a soft brush with a gentle circular motion.
hello sir, it is great to learn about ayurvedic medicines for good health avoiding surgeries and hospital visits.thank u
Thanks
Vishnu Das Ji, Namaskar. I am 45 – M. I was diagnosed with the problem of receeding gums. Local dentist said it was on account of severe tarter formation over a period of time. Most of the teeth are mobile now. Dentist says that all of them need to be removed and that I should go in for dental implants. I was never comfortable with english medicine – even now. Can you kindly suggest a way forward. Chandra
I would suggest a second opinion by another dentist before rushing for removal or implants. Find one that is more holistic. Are the teeth decaying, or just loose? If they are just loose on account of the gums receding, swish twice daily with sesame oil (unrefined). Hold the oil in the mouth for several minutes. The spit out and massage the gums with the remaining oil on them. Do tea tree gargle as well. Gum surgery to repair severely receding gums may be possible to help reduce loosening of the teeth, that would be the better option over removal, and implants if possible.
I would suggest a second opinion by another dentist before rushing for removal or implants. Find one that is more holistic. Are the teeth decaying, or just loose? If they are just loose on account of the gums receding, swish twice daily with sesame oil (unrefined). Hold the oil in the mouth for several minutes. The spit out and massage the gums with the remaining oil on them. Do tea tree gargle as well. Gum surgery to repair severely receding gums may be possible to help reduce loosening of the teeth, that would be the better option over removal, and implants if possible.
Vishnudass Ji Pranams
Thank you for your kind support and guidance. I could not understand what is meant by “tea tree” .. can you kindly give me alternative names for the same
Tea tree oil is an essential oil, widely available. You can source it on-line very easy.
Vishnudass Ji
Pranam. Thank you for your guidance and support. I could not understand what “tea tree” means – are there any alternative names- kindly suggest.
Chandra SV
Dear Vishnu Dass,
A friend from India visited a few days ago and his 4 year old daughter suffers form eczema. I read that you learnt from Dr. Vasant Lad and got help for your eczema, and I often google and use his remedies but I couldnt find anything on eczema. Could you kindly give any advice please.
Mukesh, I have healed 95% over 20 years. It is a long process for some, others heal quicker. I specialize in eczema because of personal experience. The best thing is to avoid pitta provoking foods such as alcohol, coffee, black tea, sugar, tamarind, chilis, tomatoes and too much fermented foods. I would also suggest that this person consult with me via phine, skype or in person if local. http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com, clinic # 828-713-4266. Good luck
Thanks so much.
your welcome
Hi ,thought to search for some Ayurvedic remedies for GUM disease to avoid surgery. Thanks for ur piece of information. Had already consulted a doctor at Medical College and was advised for a GUM surgery. Had undergone the first step of cleaning and scaling. Now doctor has advised to take some antibiotic for 5 days to strengthen the affected tissues. My problem was that it develops severe pain on the lower/upper gum and the swelling remains for some 4-5 days and the gums/teeth are receding and often it bleeds very badly while brushing. Am having problem with two teeth in the lower front and one in the upper side. Request ur advise on how the same can be treated without undergoing the surgery. Are there any centers here in KERALA where i can take a treatment for this gum disease?Binu.
Hello Vishnudass,
I have been having gum puffiness for a few years now, and have seen a periodontist recently who said I have elementary to moderate level of gum disease and that I need deep cleaning which only a specialist can do, and that there is nothing else I can do.
I am very shocked to learn that I have gum disease because I have always taken great care of my teeth. For example I brush after every meal and I floss at least once a day. I am scared to death to receive any dental treatment because everybody in my family has very bad experience with dentists. Once the dentists do something to your teeth they get worse and worse, there are literary no way out of the dentists.
So could you please tell me if there are any home (Ayurvedic) remedies, yoga or breathing process (Pranayam) that can clean and soften hard built tartar from gum (like my stage). I strongly believe in God, and believe there are natural solutions to gum problems like mines.
I thank you from the deep down of my heart and hope you can help me by all means.
Waiting for you reply
sussie
Sussie,
There is a good remedy for the gums at Herb Pharm, I will give you the link:
http://www.herb-pharm.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/53_23/products_id/245?osCsid=c3mobr1vsl50r8j6ms9loeb781
Use as directed.
Also, I recommend using rinsing well with Lysterine 2 times daily, it is better than most other mouthwashes and is essentially a dilution of the best thing for the gums and is one of the strongest anti microbials out there, thymol. Anyone how know how good thymol is, knows about the therapeutic value of this mouthwash. The tonic also has thyme in it, but not the oil. Both together are a one to punch to prevent bacteria from doing more damage to the gums, and will help to restore what has already been affected.
Do meditation and yoga of any kind, and just tryoiing to keep relaxed. The gums can easily get aggravated with stress. High pitta eventually causes the mouth to become more acidic. Pitta types already have this tendency.
Good Luck,
Vishnu Dass
Hello Vishnudass,
Thank you very much for your advice. I am wondering if it is possible to remove tartar build up from the root of gums by any other way than surgery. And how successful is surgery in this case. Also you mentioned about ‘Pitta’, what is that?
Thanks a lot!
Sussie
Plaque is hard to remove once it is calcified, the most important thing is to swish and spit after eating, especially breads, sugary foods etc. I am not suggesting surgery either, I can’t advice on the specifics there.
If I do not use the method of swishing and just massage my gums with seseame oil before I sleep do I need to rinse afterwards or leave it to absorb?
if you are oil pulling, than spit and rinse toxins from mouth. if you are doing traditional ayurvedic remedy of oiling, just massage gums with sesame oil and leave in to absorb.
I have been doing oil pulling for a month now. My teeth are no longer loose. Will my receding gums restore themselves?
Hard to say, but they could. Im glad that your teeth are stronger and gums have improved some. Good luck!
Hi Anita, have your receding gums restored themselves? I have been doing oil pulling for my receding gums for one week. Thank you for your reply in advance.t
Hi, I just wanted to know about the swishing of the sesame seed oil.
How long do you keep it in the mouth for,how many minutes?
Is this oil pulling or is this not as intense I mean is the swishing like 3or 4 minutes instead of 20 minutes which is what is usually recommended for oil pulling. will just massaging the gums with sesame seed oil reverse receding gums? Thanks Sofiya
a few minutes is fine, then rub the remaining oil into the gums.
Please could you advise me on periodontitis. I have been having 3 monthly descaling treatments for years, but still have pockets in my gums. I brush regularly and well, and also floss and mouthwash. I now have receded gums around my front teeth which look awful. I’ve started brushing with salt to reduce the acidity in my mouth. I am also careful about stress and ensure I’m relaxed. I’ve heard oil pulling and brushing with tumeric can help. Is this true? What can I do to kill off these awful bacteria in my mouth? I’m very grateful to you. Thank you so much.
Lysterine contain thymol, one of the most powerful anti bacterials, there are some natural mouthwashes that contain extract of thymol, but they are expensive and run out quickly. Lysterine original formula is awesome, swish twice a day, and don’t rinse out after you spit out the wash. Oil pulling with seasame is great, just a few minutes daily and massage remaining oil into the gums. Triphala mouthwash is also good, make a tea of triphala and rinse well.
Eat less sugary foods, that increases kapha and tarter that results from high kapha. Sugar also weakens the gums.
Check out my website:
bluelotusayurveda.com
I do phone consults if you need further help.
Vishnu Dass
Many thanks Vishnu Dass.
I do use an alcohol free mouthwash. I shall try listerine.
I shall also resume oil pulling, but only for a few minutes, and massage the gums afterwards as you suggest.
I also recently gave up tea and sugar.
Hopefully these things will help.
Thank you for your kind input.
The original lysterine has alcohol, I like that one, but if for some reason you can’t have alcohol, use one without. It must have Thymol.
My mother used to use mayu in til oil. what this mayu is and where can i get it.
Mayu is commonly black garlic, it is often used in cooking sauteed in sesame oil. Garlic is a good anti bacterial and fights infections.
WHich is the best type of Sesame Oil to use? Organic RAW Virgin or the Organic TOASTED Sesame Oil?\
Thank you
Unrefined sesame oil. My favorite is Eden brand, from the health food store. Spectrum also makes a good sesame oil.
Don’t use toasted for this treatment.
hello vishnudass,
Is flossing good or bad for deltal health. Is it possible that flossing can do more damage that cure. Thank you
Good question. I think gentle flossing is ok, not excessive. One time daily or less. The biggest problem with dental issues is eating too much sugar and refined carbs and not rinsing and spitting out after eating. In India, almost everyone rinses and spits after eating. This is a good practice with profound wisdom in it.
urgent!!! Hi, i am 29 years old. my gums on the front lower teeth are very low. what can i do , so that my gums grow back ? what type of food should i eat daily for healthy gums?
ps. i have a cut / sore( approx. 1.2 cm) below my back teeth. will oil pulling with sesame oil help it to heal?
i have this wound since 4 weeks but it still not healing completly.. but my 3 other wounds have completly heald. what can i do so it heals quickly??? pls help … many thanks yasmin
Yasmin, oil pulling with sesame oil works to strengthen the roots of the teeth, which is important in this situation. You should avoid acidic foods, refined sugars and grains, swish your mouth very well after you eat, and gargle with strong mouth wash like lysterine. Avoid over brushing, or brushing too hard. I can’t say for sure if the gums will grow back, once they have receded so much, but the most important thing is to prevent worsening of the condition.
what is oil pulling???
Good question, actually oil pulling is a new term for swishing oil in the mouth, throught he teeth, for periods of a 3-15 minutes or so. It is thought to cleanse the system of toxins. In ayurveda, the practice of holding liquid and oils in the mouth has been used for a long time for improving and maintaining the strength of the teeth and nourishing the gums. Herbal decoctions are also used for various conditions, such as TMJ, etc. The claims that are made that swishing with oil pulls toxins out of the deep tissues of the body is a new concept. I believe it may be true, based on accounts from clients and friends that have tried it. I don’t have experience with that aspect personally.
does oil pulling have a negative affect on receding gums that have already undergone surgery? Also, can’ listerine do a similar job to oil pulling?
I don’t think it would have negative affects gums that have undergone surgery. Listerine is high in thymol, and eucalyptus. It is highly anti-microbial. It is very cleansing to the mouth, preventing plaque formation.
Sesame oil is cleansing too, but not like listerine.
How much sesame oil to be used for oil pulling? how many times oil pulling is to be done??/
I had a deep cleaning (scaling and laser gum treatement (not a laser surgery) ) done 3 weeks ago. can i resume oil pulling? Do I have to wait six weeks before I resume it? Do we brush before or after oil pulling? Also, does triphla tea rinse once a day along with oil pull help get rid of plaque and reformation of it?
After brushing, and triphala tea can be used at alternate times, or after oil pulling.
Here is a small remedy for strong teeth !Take 2 guava leaves.Add it in 1glass of water and boil it.After it gets warm, flush ur mouth with this water.
thanks for adding a rememdy!
Thank you for this very informative article! I needed it!
I have serious dental issues for my age that I’m trying to fix through Ayurveda and, of course, the help of my dentist. I like your explanation as to how to clean the teeth correctly. My question is… is using battery operated brushes a good idea or not? Are they too harsh for the gums? Thanks in advance!
Ehey are fine to use, just don’t scrub too much more than what the brush does on its one. Over scrubbing weakens the gums. Floss gentle and carefully too.
i once had a severe toothache for a week and felt that i need to have my tooth removed. i happened to be in a goshala and used go-mutra for gargle, within few hours the pain receded and in a days time the pain was completely gone.
very nice! Thanks for sharing
hello,
can you please outline the steps in swishing sesame oil(oil pulling) for receeding gums? does one brush first then swish with oil and then use listerine? Thanking you in advance.
Carol
I like to brush first and then do swishing with oil. I use mouth wash at alternate times.
thank you vishnudass. Is there a particular toothpaste that is”healthier” ?
Auromere, Neem tree farms, Himalaya USA also makes a nice one. Brush gently.
DEAR SIR,
I HAVE A VERY SERIOUS BAD BREATH ,COULD YOU TELL ME THE SOLUTION.
REGARDS
MAHMOUD
drink water from soaking fenugreek seeds overnight, daily, also chew cardamom pods after eating 1 or 2, after each meal.
Sir can u suggest any remedies effective for black gums??
It may indicates deep vata disturbance and it is best to rule our any bone lose or gum disease first. Feel free to call the clinic.
BlueLotusAyurveda.com
sir..I am a gutkha chewer..because of it my gums went down and up .. what should i do…. please suggest me..
stop chewing gutkha, and rinse mouth with sesame oil daily after brushing. Also, do triphala mouth wash 2 times daily hold in mouth for 5 minutes.
Hello sir
I have recedding gums and parodontose.
Can I use neem oil on the gums and use the oil drops diluted with water to gurgle?
Thanks a lot
Hello sir
I have parodontose and recedding gums. I Don’t have access to sesam oil but, can I use neem oil dilluted with water for recedding gums?
Thanks in advance
Ulla
If you don’t have sesame use coconut oil. get it on line if you can’t find it locally.
Hello Sir,
I am reading this article first time on your website , it looks great .
My gum has been reduce badly even after tooth cleaning…
can i grow back my reducing gum in Ayurveda or this technique.
Thanks & Regards
it is hard to bring the gums back once they are drastically receded, but with good oral hygiene it is possible to prevent further issues. Swish with water after eating, always and brush gently with ultra soft toothbrush.
Hello Vishnudass, Could you please tell me if slightly loose gums can get tighten by oil pulling? Thank you very much.
sometimes yes, make sure your oil is correct for prakruti constitution or imbalance, coconut or unrefined sunflower is best for pitta, sesame for vata and kapha
I am suffering from bad teeth…..bcoz of chewing tobacco….I need an ayurvedic remedy for it……vishnudas sir I request u to give me a remedy upto today……plz be fast……require urgently…..plz help
Thanks
Best to seek help locally if your in an urgent state, I can’t treat emergencies without meeting with you to see what is happening . Stop chewing tobacco if you have not and try to find a doctor locally. Sorry I can’t help in this case.
My 10 year old daughter has a small cavity. I am trying to avoid having the dentist fill it. Any suggestions to remineralize it?
There is nothing wrong with filling a cavity, the longer it goes the more the decay, ayurveda is not at all apposed to good dentistry. Best to take her there and then follow good oral hygiene
Dear Vishnudass,
Your blog is very informative, thanks a lot, May God bless U.
thanks
Thank you, this has to be the most imformative forum I have read regarding receeding gums. Thank you again vishnudas!
I am having receding gums and my lower tearing teeth gums have receded too much and also in other areas my gums have receded..i have went to government hospital and there the dentist told me that i need to do scaling…and now i am little scared about it.Does while scaling it pains? and also will it improve my gums?and i have started using himalaya complete care toothpaste and also i have started using brushing using a soft brush ..and should i brush using soft brush or use a toothpowder to clean my teeth using hand only? Please suggest me some ayurvedic formula to improve my gums condition
I do recommend doing scaling, it can help to reduce further complications. I also recommend brushing very gently. Avoid brushing too frequently with coarse tooth powders like Vajra Danti, it it good to do with the finger only every two weeks.
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some wonderful
details, I besides believe this is a very wonderful website.