A colloquial way of suggesting that someone was elderly is to say they were "a little long in the tooth." This saying touched on how common receding gums -- a symptom of periodontal disease -- was. Periodontal disease is still common, affecting three out of four adults over the age of 35, the Ontario Dental Hygiene Association reports. To prevent periodontal disease, practice regular oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. In addition, consider these herbal remedies for receding gums.
Green Tea
Green tea is a beverage that's been popular in Asian cultures for thousands of years. In the late 20th century, green tea grabbed the attention of scientists as a result of its high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that destroy harmful compounds known as free radicals, which destroy healthy cells. In the mouth, free radical activity can contribute to periodontal disease. Green tea is especially rich in an antioxidant class known as tea catechins. Consuming antioxidant-rich green tea regularly can help combat existing periodontal disease, Medical News Today reports. The catechins in green tea strengthen attachment of the gums to teeth and reduce the inflammation that interferes with the healing process.
Clove Oil
Applied to sore gums and teeth, clove oil can ease oral pain. Clove oil also reduces gum inflammation, the National Institutes of Health reports. Reducing inflammation is important in the treatment of periodontal disease and for reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, the American Academy of Periodontology reports. They state that inflammation in the mouth is associated with other inflammatory conditions and may increase the risk of serious chronic diseases. However, clove oil can interfere with blood clotting medications. Before using clove oil, talk to your doctor.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an herbal ingredient often added to body lotion to make skin softer. This herb works by reducing inflammation and activating cells important for repair, the University of Michigan reports. Research by Sílvia Morgana Araújo de Oliveira of the University of Fortaleza investigated the effect of topical aloe vera on gum inflammation and healing. In an article published in the August 2008 issue of the "Journal of Applied Oral Science," she reports that aloe vera significantly reduced gum inflammation.
References
- Medical News Today: Antioxidants In Green Tea May Help Reduce Periodontal Disease
- ODHA: What You Can Do About Gum Disease
- NIH: Clove
- AAP: Mouth-Body Connection
- University of Michigan Health System: Wound Healing
- "Journal of Applied Oral Science": Effect of a dentifrice containing aloe vera on plaque and gingivitis control. A double-blind clinical study in humans
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