Periodontitis and Gum Health

What is Periodontitis (Gum Recession)?

Periodontitis is a type of gum disease characterized by inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. It often results in deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. The disease is initiated and sustained by the oral microbial biofilm. It is also influenced by factors such as genetic susceptibility and environmental conditions. In addition, periodontitis has been epidemiologically associated with systemic disorders such as atherosclerosis, adverse pregnancy outcomes, rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, and diabetes. ¹

Periodontitis (Gum Recession) Symptoms

Symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding gums, red/bluish-purplish discoloration, gum recession, gum enlargement, tooth displacement, spacing, elongation, loosening, abscess formation, sensitivity and bad breath. ³

Periodontitis (Gum Recession) Treatment

Conventional treatment of periodontal disease includes surgical and nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which consists of mechanical cleaning combined with effective plaque control. However, mechanical cleaning is a difficult procedure due to limitations such as inaccessibility to deep pockets, surface irregularities, and furcation areas. At this stage, the aim is to reduce or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms that cannot be destroyed mechanically by antimicrobial treatment. ⁴

What is Good for Receding Gums?

Receding gums are an irreversible condition, meaning that receding gum tissue will not grow back. However, you can take some precautions to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Treatment depends on the cause of your gum disease. If the problem is caused by harsh brushing or poor oral hygiene, it's important to talk to your dentist about changing your brushing and flossing habits. Using a daily mouthwash that helps prevent plaque buildup and using tools such as interdental cleaners or dental floss to keep hard-to-reach areas clean can help.

Mild gum recession can increase the risk of bacteria accumulating around pockets in the gums, but it does not automatically increase your risk of gum disease. However, in areas with existing gum disease, gum recession can cause the disease to progress more quickly. ² Effective and proper oral hygiene is essential for this.

Home Remedies for Receding Gum

There are many different causes of gum recession, as well as many different solutions. In cases of gum recession caused by incorrect brushing, correct brushing techniques can be learned under the supervision of a dentist and applied. In addition, the progression of gum recession can be prevented by using gum-nourishing pastes.

The cause of gum recession must be thoroughly investigated and its origin must be found. It is critical that the treatment method be determined by a professional based on this cause.

Periodontitis (Gum Recession) Toothpaste

Studies have proven over the years that herbs such as turmeric, sage and shepherd’s purse have positive effects on the treatment of receding gums. ⁵ Therefore, using oral care products containing these herbs will be a great help in dealing with receding gums.

Resources

1. Graziani F, Karapetsa D, Alonso B, Herrera D. Nonsurgical and surgical treatment of periodontitis: how many options for one disease? Periodontol 2000. 2017 Oct;75(1):152-188. doi: 10.1111/prd.12201. PMID: 28758300.
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-gums-treatment#treatments
3. Jati AS, Furquim LZ, Consolaro A. Gingival recession: its causes and types, and the importance of orthodontic treatment. Dental Press J Orthod. 2016 Jun;21(3):18-29. doi: 10.1590/2177-6709.21.3.018-029.oin. PMID: 27409650; PMCID: PMC4944726.
4. Imber JC, Kasaj A. Treatment of Gingival Recession: When and How? Int Dent J. 2021 Jun;71(3):178-187. doi: 10.1111/idj.12617. Epub 2021 Jan 29. PMID: 34024328; PMCID: PMC9275303.
5. Rani N, Singla RK, Narwal S, Tanushree, Kumar N, Rahman MM. Medicinal Plants Used as an Alternative to Treat Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Sep 6;2022:2327641. doi: 10.1155/2022/2327641. PMID: 37941972; PMCID: PMC10630018.