How to Stimulate Gum Growth

Download Article

Co-authored by Bailey Cho Medically reviewed by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: May 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Homemade Pastes
|
• Ozonated Olive Oil
|
• Oil Pulling
|
• Regular Gum Care
|
• Expert Q&A

|Show more |Show less

If your gums have begun receding, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis, two gum diseases that can destroy the bones and tissues attached to your teeth. While you should see a dental professional as soon as you experience pain or discomfort along your gums, you can try using at-home products to stimulate gum growth. Keep in mind that there is limited scientific evidence supporting natural remedies, so they should not be used in place of tooth brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Homemade Pastes

Download Article

1. 1
   Mix baking soda with water. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water in a small cup. Stir the solution and continue to add water until a paste-like substance forms. It is important to combine the baking soda with water because baking soda alone is too harsh for your teeth and gums.
2. 2
   Apply the mixture to your gums. Dip one finger into the mixture and place it on your gum line. Gently massage your gums with your fingers using small circular motions. You can also apply the mixture to your gums using a soft toothbrush.

   • Massage for 2 minutes.
   • Apply the mixture 2-3 times a week.
   • Stop using the paste if you notice that your gums are becoming more irritated.
   Advertisement
3. 3
   Alternatively, make an herbal paste. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of mustard oil to make a paste. Use your fingers to massage the paste onto your gums twice a day. Leave the paste on your gums for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth.

   • Alternatively, add 3 grams of chopped sage leaves into 150 millilitres (5.1  fl oz) of warm water. Boil it for 10 minutes, then strain the mixture to get a clear liquid. Use the liquid as a mouthwash.
   • Both turmeric and sage have anti-inflammatory properties, and are often recommended for those dealing with gingivitis and periodontal infections.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Ozonated Olive Oil

Download Article

1. 1
   Purchase ozonated olive oil. Ozonated olive oil is pure olive oil that has undergone ozonization, a process that turns it from a greenish-colored liquid to a white-colored gel. Studies show that ozonated olive oil has the ability to fight harmful bacteria and microorganisms in your mouth, as well as slow down the progression of aggressive periodontitis. You can purchase ozonated olive oil from an online retailer like Amazon.

   • Ozonated olive oil has been shown to heal gum wounds after surgery. It may also improve the symptoms of oral diseases.
   • Refrigerate your ozonated olive oil or keep it away from sunlight at room temperature.
   • Many people have had good results with this treatment, but the only way to halt gum recession is to get medical attention from a professional. Ozone therapy is known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a common procedure to fight periodontitis.
2. 2
   Brush and floss your teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. After you are done brushing, floss each tooth to remove any plaque and debris.

   • Be careful not to brush too hard before applying the oil.
3. 3
   Apply the oil to your gums. Apply 2 millilitres (0.41  tsp) of oil to your gums using your index finger, then massage your gum in circular motions for 10 minutes. Once you have applied the oil, do not eat, rinse, or drink anything for 30 minutes.

   • You can also massage your gums with sesame or coconut oil.
   • Do not use ozonated olive oil if you have had a recent heart attack, are pregnant, have hyperthyroidism, are intoxicated with alcohol, or have a hemorrhage in any of your organs.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Oil Pulling

Download Article

1. 1
   Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Oil pulling is used to remove impurities from your mouth. You can use coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil. Coconut oil is the most popular, but it is solid below 77 °F (25 °C). Since it’s hard to swish around a chunk of oil, blend it with sesame and sunflower oil so the mixture will not harden.

   • Children (5-12 years old) should only use 5 millilitres (1.0  tsp)-10 millilitres (2.0  tsp) of coconut oil.
   • Sesame oil is the preferred oil of choice in Indian culture. Sesame oil is high in antioxidants, has antifungal properties, and has been found to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis.
2. 2
   Swish the oil around. Swish 10 millilitres (0.68 US tbsp) of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. The oil will become thin and turn into a milky white color. The swishing motion activates salivary enzymes that absorb toxins and bacteria, so do not swallow the oil.

   • It is best to oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
   • If you are unable to do 10-15 minutes a day, start with 5 minutes and work your way up.
3. 3
   Brush your teeth. Once you spit out the oil, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water as you normally would. Oil pulling is not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and oral care, and it should be used as a supplement to what you usually do.

   • Studies show that oil pulling may reduce plaque growth and build up, which are the main causes of gingivitis.
   • If you oil pull twice a day, you may see an improvement in plaque buildup in 14 days.
   • Although the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling, it has been used for centuries to take care of teeth and gums. Even if you use this technique, see a medical professional to stop gum recession.
Advertisement

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Regular Gum Care

Download Article

1. 1
   Know the causes of receding gums. There are many factors that can cause your gums to recede, and your dentist can help you identify any risk factors that you may have. Common causes of receding gums include:

   • Trauma
   • Periodontal disease
   • Brushing too aggressively
   • Abnormal tooth positioning
   • Dental plaque or tartar buildup
   • Being born with naturally thin or weak gums
   • Smoking and using tobacco
   • Having lip and tongue piercings
2. 2
   Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth twice a day. Position the bristles at a 45-degree angle from your teeth so you can clean between your gums and teeth. Brush gently in small, circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes, especially along your gum line.

   • Be sure to brush all the different surfaces of your teeth.
   • Brush your tongue when you are finished to keep your mouth clean.
   • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become worn.
3. 3
   Floss daily. Flossing helps remove plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Take about 12 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers. Make a “C” shape when rubbing the floss between your teeth and gum line. Be gentle and never snap the floss into your gums.

   • You can use dental floss, a dental pick, or a pre-threaded flosser. Talk to your dentist about which tool is best for you.
4. 4
   Visit a dentist regularly. The frequency of your dentist visits depends on the health of your teeth and gums. Most adults need to go once or twice a year. Your dentist will focus on preventive care and your overall oral health.

   • Board certified dentist Tu Anh Vu recommends going to the dentist “twice a year…every 6 months.”
5. 5
   See a specialist. If your regular dentist feels that you need more intensive care, make an appointment to see a specialist. A periodontist can perform specialized treatments and surgical procedures to increase gum growth, such as scaling and root planing. However, these treatments are typically expensive and invasive.

   • Possible treatments to fix your gums include scaling and root planing, gingival flap surgery, or a gum graft, but your dentist will decide what is best for you.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  What does it mean if my gums bleed when I floss?

  

  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist

  Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

  

  Tu Anh Vu, DMD

  Board Certified Dentist

  Expert Answer

  People think they are flossing too hard if they're flossing and they see blood, but that's not actually accurate. Usually, it means you have inflammation of the gums and that you need to be more consistent with your flossing. It also suggests that you're not doing it well enough and deep enough.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
• Question

  Why are my gums receding?

  

  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist

  Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

  

  Tu Anh Vu, DMD

  Board Certified Dentist

  Expert Answer

  You may have periodontitis or gum recession. The only way to know the reason it's happening to you is to visit a dentist. They can diagnose the cause of your receding gums.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
• Question

  Is there a way to build bone back up into the gums once it starts receding?

  

  Cristian Macau, DDS
  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

  

  Cristian Macau, DDS

  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Expert Answer

  Once the bone started to recede the process can only be stopped or reversed using surgical methods performed by a dental surgeon or periodontist. Root scaling and planing can stop bone resorption, but it requires a constant check every 6 months and a proper oral hygiene. In some cases, bone grafting is used to build bone back, especially in severe periodontitis or before/during implant placement. Antibiotics such as tetracycline can also be used to stop bone resorption but this depends whether the cause is hormonal, bacterial or a combination of the two.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 11 Helpful 25

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

How to

Care for Your Teeth

How to

Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste

How to

Treat White Gums: Your Top Questions Answered

How to

Heal Gums After a Tooth Extraction

How to

Get Rid of a Gum Boil

How to

Reduce Gum Pockets Naturally

How to

Reduce Gum Swelling

How to

Treat Gum Disease With Homemade Remedies

How to

Treat a Gum Infection

How to

Grow Gums Back

How to

Get Pink Gums

How to

Get Rid of Gingivitis

Advertisement