Receding Gums – Causes, Prevention & Ayurvedic Treatment
ABSTRACT
Smile makes a person look happy and healthy. As the person smiles, teeth are the only thing that comes into light. Healthy teeth are only possible if a person takes good care of them. Teeth are projected out of the gums which keep them sealed at a place. Therefore gums are a vital structure for keeping teeth at a fixed place. Therefore good and healthy gums are mandatory for better mouth health. Healthy gums are pink in colour and can be darker as per melanin. Due to various health issues and trauma the gums health deteriorates which further leads to various infectious conditions of the mouth like periodontitis. Most of the common conditions that a person faces due inadequate care of gums is gum recession. In the following text we are going to know all about the gum recession and its management.
INTRODUCTION
Gum recession is a process when the gum tissue which surrounds teeth starts wearing away, which results in exposing more of the tooth and tooth root. As the recession progresses gaps or pockets start to build up between the gum line and the tooth which becomes habitat to bacteria that can cause various diseases. If it does not get properly treated then it results in various dental ailments and loss of tooth can also occur and the pain is gross. Recession of gums accompanied by bacterial accumulation leads to gingivitis. In Ayurveda the term can be correlated with Saushir which is painful swelling preceded by gum recession is kapha and rakta dosha vitiation. And according to Acharya Vagbhata the condition is due to pitta and rakta dosha vitiation.
Causes
- Periodontal diseases lead to gum recession.
- Improper brushing technique
- Genes play a crucial role.
- Anatomical malformations and improper occlusion.
- Insufficient care of teeth and gums lead to gum recession
- Tobacco products do a great harm to the gums and is a main culprit of recurrent gum and dental infections
- Clenching and grinding teeth with much force leads to recession of gums
- Misaligned bite can cause gum recession
- Crooked teeth is also arise gum recession problem
- Trauma that can be due to a road side accident or a fist blow can cause gum recession.
- Tongue or lip piercing can lead to gum recession as the ornament continuously irritates the gum that can result in receding of gum.
- Use of braces can lead to gum recession as well.
- Dental plaque or tartar is also a causative factor of gum recession.
Signs and symptoms
- Pain and discomfort in the gumline
- Sensitivity while dental procedures
- Sensitivity to cold, heat and sweet things
- Sensitivity associated with brushing and flossing
Treatment of the gum recession is mandatory as if it is left untreated, it can give a way to serious mouth problems such as tooth mobility, bone loss and even loss of tooth.
Management
Preventive Management: Prevention is the only solution as receding gums don’t get better with any management.
- Caring about the mouth health and hygiene on priority basis
- Use of soft bristle toothbrush and gently brushing
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Do not consume tobacco
- Flossing daily
- Brushing twice a day
In Ayurveda, there are two different procedures named Kavala (Gargling) and Gandusha (Holding fluid inside the mouth). These are both mentioned in dincharya (the daily regimen). These both are beneficial in preventing the diseases related to teeth, gums and all over the oral cavity.
1. Kavala
Kavala is gargling of the medicated water in small quantities that can be moved inside the mouth. Usually it is a procedure of holding a small quantity of liquid in the mouth and moving it in the mouth and spitting it out quickly. Decoction of khadira (Acacia catechu), udumbara (Ficus glomerulata) etc can be used on a daily basis. Kavala of these helps in bad mouth smell, anorexia etc.
2. Gandusha
filling up the mouth with oil and medicated water on a daily basis and holding the content in the oral cavity for a few minutes at rest is called Gandusha. It prevents various conditions of the oral cavity including decay of tooth, gum bleeding, cracked lips, throat dryness and smell from the mouth. Furthermore, it gives strength to jaws, teeth and gums. Gandusha is to be withheld in the mouth until there is secretion of tears and watery discharge for the nose begins.
Medical/Non-Surgical Management
Topical Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics are used in case of bacterial manifestation.
1. Orthodontics
When the teeth are misaligned and the occlusion is not proper which leads to traumatic gum recession. In this case, braces can be helpful to set teeth in proper alignment.
2. Dental Bonding
It is a procedure in which the area of recession is camouflaged with tooth coloured resin. It is usually a cosmetic approach.
Surgical Management
Gum graft surgery: A flap of mouth mucosa is fixed at the area of recession.
Herbal Remedies for Gum Recession by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an esteemed GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic formulations as mentioned in the different ancient texts of Ayurveda. Products are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring substances which causes many ill effects on the human body. Products prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any kind of adulteration. Planet Ayurveda presents its Gum Care Pack which is beneficial enough to prevent recession of gums.
Gum Care Pack Includes Following Products
- Gum Care Powder
- Coral Calcium Complex
- Arjuna Saar
- Irimedadi oil
Product Description
1. Gum Care Powder
Gum care powder is a beneficial formulation for the overall oral health. It is a blend of various herbs like shunthi (Zingiber officinale), mustak (Cyperus rotundus), khadir (Acacia catechu), karpur (Cinnamomum camphora), marich (Piper nigrum), lavana (Syzygium aromaticum), twak (Cinnamomum zeylanica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc. Gum care powder possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore it pacifies kapga, pitta and rakta which are involved in the gum receding. Therefore, by pacifying the dosha, it cures and prevents the receding of gums.
Usage : Massage teeth and gums gently with 3-6 gm powder. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water after 2-3 minutes.
2. Coral Calcium Complex
Coral Calcium Complex is a beneficial formulation that is advantageous in gums and teeth health care. The formulation is enriched with the beauty of praval (Coral), akik (Agate), jahar mohra (Serpentine), kamdudha ras, mukta (Pearl), guduchi (Tribulus terrestris). The formulation provides nutrition to the gums and teeth which ultimately strengthens the sealing capacity of the gums to the teeth. Hence formulation provides strength to the gum and prevents gum recession.
Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.
3. Arjuna Saar
Arjuna Saar contains juice of arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and juice of amla (Emblica officinale). Arjuna possesses the properties of binding, coagulant and wound healing. And amla being a rasayana rejuvenates the cells and exhibits its anti-aging property. Therefore, the formulation helps in binding the receded gums and also helps in age related gum receding.
Dosage : 20 ml with equal water twice daily.
4. Irimedadi oil
Irimedadi oil is a classical ayurvedic oil which is beneficial in oral health. And other various problems related to gums, teeth and other oral problems. It is a medicated oil prepared with various herbs. Ingredients include irimed (Acacia farnesiana), laung (Syzygium aromaticum), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica) etc. it is useful in bleeding gums, relieves toothache and strengthens the gums.
Usage : 5-10 ml of oil to be taken into mouth and gargling.
Conclusion
As we discussed the recession of gums and its causes as well as its treatment, we have known that there are various reasons for receding gums. Trauma to improper and aggressive brushing are major reasons. Furthermore, improper diet and nutritional deficiencies also adds to the list of causes. There is no proper treatment available in the contemporary system of medicine in prevention and curing the problem of gum receding whereas Ayurveda has much to offer. With plenty of herbs and procedures, Ayurveda proves to be the best in providing proper care and wellness of the oral cavity and its parts altogether. Planet Ayurveda has manufactured Gum Care Pack with a variety of herbs which are beneficial in preventing and curing gum disorders and recession of gum problems.
