Ellie Phillips, DDS, often speaks favorably about oil pulling. However, she does caution against oil pulling for those with gum recession or sensitivity, as it may damage biofilm and pellicle proteins, which are critical for a healthy mouth. Thus, if you're using oil pulling for receding gums, do it only occasionally.
Oil pulling is a popular age-long practice for removing plaques and other food particles from the mouth with natural oils. What's more, it's an effective natural remedy for receding gums and gingivitis. To practice oil pulling, you'll need sesame oil or high-quality coconut oil.
Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries as a potent anti-inflammatory medicine, and when used in concentrated doses, has been shown to treat receding gums and even stimulate the growth of new tissue.
Gum recession treatment largely depends on what caused the condition. Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
From fluoride treatments to implants, it seems like there's a fix for all our dental woes. However, preventative care is still the best treatment when it comes to gum health. Receding gums do not regenerate, which means that when your gum tissue is lost, it's gone permanently.
It's never too late for gum grafting as long as the patient has sufficient gum tissue to harvest for the graft. However, the success rate of the procedure may be lower in cases where the patient has advanced gum disease or other underlying health issues that can affect the healing process.
A handful of small-scale studies show that oil pulling with sesame oil for 15 to 20 minutes a day for at least 40 days, alongside routine tooth brushing and flossing, can reduce plaque, bacteria and gingivitis. The studies relied on daily consistency and regular dental care.
Initial healing will take about 10 to 14 days to take place. It will take about 6 months for full gum maturation to complete. I don't want tissue taken from the roof of my mouth - What are my options? Your own gum tissue is the best kind of gum, however it requires a donor site.
Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth's roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
How often should you oil pull? If you suffer from gingivitis or gum disease, oil pull once a day to improve gum health. If you have good oral health, oil pull 1-2 times each week.
That's right, brushing too hard or with the wrong technique can actually pull back your gum tissue. Not cleaning between your teeth. You guessed it, not flossing.
Dentist Concerns About Oil Pulling
Although it isn't particularly harmful, some people may experience some side effects. Also, it should never replace daily brushing, flossing and other dental hygiene habits that are necessary for a healthy mouth.
In its early stages, gum recession may not require treatment. But chances are, by the time you notice longer teeth, you'll be past that point. You'll need extra dental care to stop the progression. The precise treatment depends on your case and its causes, and, typically, it will involve several strategies.
What are the risks of Oil Pulling? The negative side effects of oil pulling including dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscular stiffness, exhaustion and loss of sensation or taste in the mouth.
Oil-Pulling Tips
Also, a recent study found that coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay. Start with just 5 minutes a day. Twenty minutes of swishing is a long time, and while the longer you pull, the more bacteria you'll remove, 5 or 10 minutes will still offer some benefit.
Dr. Mark Burhenne, from Ask the Dentist, says, “If you brush after you pull, you'll actually get rid of the good bacteria you just worked to support.”9 With this in mind, brushing then swishing may be best.
Oil pulling is the way to go if you're looking for more natural, long-term gum health benefits, whereas mouthwash might be the better option for you if you're after a quick, short-term gum health solution. Don't forgo the basics, however, regardless of which gum health remedy you choose.
'Chew and Swish'!
Remember to clean your tongue and brush your teeth first. Then 'chew' and swish (for best results - this stimulates saliva), spit into the toilet and rinse with lukewarm, salt water. Your mouth never felt so clean! Visit our facebook page and let us know about your oil pulling experience.
With a gum graft, you can expect it to remain in place for a lifetime, but you will need to take care of your oral health on a daily basis. This means brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and being mindful of how much pressure you're using while brushing.
Is gum graft surgery worth it? Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.
If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth. With alloderm, you could graft every single tooth in your mouth in one sitting!