Oil Pulling for Receding Gums - Before and After Effects

Understanding Oil Pulling for Receding Gums

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic oral health technique that has recently gained popularity in the West. It involves swishing oil around the mouth to draw out toxins, which advocates claim can improve dental and oral health.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Receding gums refer to gums that have pulled away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface or roots. This can be quite painful and make teeth sensitivity worse.

There are several potential causes of receding gums:

• Gingivitis and periodontal disease damage the tissue and bone supporting the teeth
• Aggressive tooth brushing over time
• Smoking often causes gum recession
• Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Grinding or clenching teeth

Benefits of Oil Pulling for Oral Health

Proponents of oil pulling claim it offers these advantages:

• Reduces plaque buildup and gingivitis
• Prevents bad breath by drawing out bacteria
• Whitens teeth over time by removing stains
• Supports healthy gums and prevents further recession
• Reduces inflammation and promotes healing

How to Do Oil Pulling with Coconut or Sesame Oil

Oil pulling is quite simple. All it requires is swishing a tablespoon of oil around your mouth, ideally first thing in the morning on an empty stomach:

1. Put 1 tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil between your teeth for 15-20 minutes. Do not swallow.
3. The oil will get thinner and turn white as it mixes with saliva and draws out toxins.
4. After swishing, spit oil into trash can. Rinse out your mouth well with water.
5. Brush your teeth as normal.

Tips for an Effective Oil Pulling Routine

• Swish gently to activate enzymes and draw out bacteria.
• Try bending over a sink to prevent drips.
• Swallowing small amounts is OK, but avoid ingesting most oil.
• Use organic, cold-pressed oil for purity.
• Rinse with salt water after for added antimicrobial benefits.
• Aim for oil pulling 3-5 times per week for best results.

Documenting Receding Gums Before and After Oil Pulling

To determine if oil pulling is beneficial for receding gums, it's important to take before and after pictures. This allows you to visually inspect if gum recession is improving over a period of consistent oil pulling.

What to Look for in Receding Gum Pictures

• Take closeup pictures under good lighting before starting.
• Note areas where gum line has pulled away and tooth roots are visible.
• Set a reminder to retake pictures in 1, 3, 6 months after oil pulling.
• Look for areas where gum inflammation is reduced.
• Check if gum coverage of tooth roots has improved.
• See if tooth sensitivity or pain has decreased over time.

Realistic Expectations with Oil Pulling for Gums

While oil pulling may help soothe inflamed gums and prevent additional recession, rebuilding lost gum tissue is quite difficult. So some recession may remain even after months of practice. For complete gum grafting, dental surgery is likely necessary.

However, halting further gum loss through Ayurvedic oil pulling is excellent preventative self care. Just don't expect advanced periodontal disease and receding gums to completely reverse on their own from oil pulling alone.

Integrating Oil Pulling with Dental Treatments

For those dealing with gum disease, oil pulling alone cannot replace professional dental treatments. But it is an excellent supplemental practice between dental visits.

Here are suggestions for combining oil pulling with traditional gum treatments:

1. Get any tooth decay treated first to minimize oral bacteria.
2. Have dentist measure gum pockets and take images to monitor changes.
3. Have plaque and tartar removed via deep cleaning if necessary.
4. Start gently oil pulling 3-5 times per week in addition to brushing.
5. Use antimicrobial toothpaste formulated for gingivitis to enhance benefits.
6. See dentist every 3-6 months to track gum health improvements.

Warning Signs to Get Help from Your Dentist

While receding gums will not always produce symptoms initially, watch for these signs of concern:

• Increasing tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food/drink
• Visible gaps between gums and teeth
• Loose teeth or changes in bite
• Persistent bad breath or taste in mouth
• Increasing gum recession or puffy gums
• Pus discharge between teeth and gums

See your dentist promptly if you notice these issues getting worse rather than better with oil pulling.

With a diligent oral care regimen of oil pulling and professional cleanings, receding gums can often be stabilized or even partially reversed in early stages. While consistent practice takes dedication, preserving your original teeth for life is worth the effort!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.