Naturally Reversing Receding Gums May Be Tricky, But Not Impossible 

Natural remedies for receding gums that actually work can reduce gum inflammation, lower plaque, and help prevent receding gums from getting worse, but natural remedies do not regrow lost gum tissue. True gum recession means gum tissue has pulled back and does not “grow back” on its own. Stabilizing the gumline and protecting exposed roots is the realistic goal at home. Professional care (like Scaling and Root Planing or grafting) is what rebuilds coverage when you need it.  

The good news is that many people see the gumline look healthier and tighter once swelling and gingivitis calm down. That “improvement” can feel like reversal, even though the gum tissue itself did not regrow. 

What Are Receding Gums? 

Receding gums (gingival recession) happens when the gum tissue surrounds and supports teeth but starts pulling away from the tooth surface. Receding gums leave roots exposed prone to bacteria and disease. When gums recede, pockets can form between the gums and teeth, and those pockets can trap plaque and tartar (some people describe this as “pockets of air” along the gumline).  

Common causes include periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, teeth grinding, and orthodontic movement that shifts where the gum margin sits. 

How Can You Rebuild Your Gums Naturally? 

You can’t rebuild lost gum tissue at home, but you can rebuild the conditions that support healthy gums: 

• Remove plaque daily with gentle brushing and interdental cleaning. 
• Reduce gum inflammation so gingivitis does not progress into periodontal disease. 
• Support healing with habits that reduce bleeding gums and improve gum-to-tooth attachment. 
• Cut reinjury from brushing too hard or grinding (bruxism). 

Some dentists in Reseda, CA (including practices like Canby Dental with Dr. Angel Harounian, DDS) focus on the basics first: plaque control, gentle technique, and early gum disease care. Those basics do more for receding gums than any single “miracle” ingredient. 

1. Oil Pulling 

Oil Pulling can help reduce plaque and may help prevent gingivitis in some people. Use 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coconut oil, olive oil, or sesame oil. Swish gently for 10–15 minutes, then spit into the trash (not the sink), rinse with water, and brush your teeth like normal. 

Oil pulling naturally reduces plaque for some people, but it does not replace brushing and flossing. Evidence exists, but results vary by study and method.  

2. Salt Water 

A Saltwater Rinse is simple and cheap. Mix 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt into 1 cup (240 mL) warm water. Swish for 30–60 seconds, then spit. Do it 1–3 times per day. 

Saltwater helps kill some bacteria and can ease gum inflammation after irritation, brushing trauma, or early gingivitis. Keep the mix mild if salt stings. 

3. Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial activity, but essential oils can irritate gum tissue if you use them wrong. 

•  Do not apply undiluted oil directly to gums. 
•  If you use it, dilute 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil), then lightly massage the gumline. 
• Do not swallow. 
• Stop if burning starts. 

4. Brushing Correctly 

Brushing correctly is the biggest “natural remedy” for receding gums. 

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric brush with a pressure sensor. 
• Brush for 2 minutes, 2 times per day. 
• Aim bristles toward the Gumline at a 45-degree angle. 
• Use small circles, not hard scrubbing. 
• Use fluoride toothpaste. 

This reduces bacteria present at the gum margin without wearing away enamel or traumatizing gum tissue. 

5. Peppermint Essential Oil 

Peppermint essential oil can help with bad breath and may have mild antimicrobial effects. It still needs dilution. 

• Add 1 drop to 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil, then massage the gumline briefly. 
• Keep it away from kids. 
• Do not swallow. 

If you want a safer peppermint option, choose an ADA-accepted toothpaste or mouthwash that already uses a safe concentration. 

6. Green Tea 

Green tea can support gum health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Drink 1–2 cups per day (240–480 mL) with no added sugar. Some people also use cooled green tea as a rinse after brushing. 

Systematic reviews suggest green tea (including green tea mouth rinses in some studies) may reduce plaque and gingival inflammation, though protocols vary.  

7. Flossing Regularly 

Flossing regularly removes plaque where a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss once daily, or use interdental brushes. 

If string floss is hard, use a Waterpik water flosser on a gentle setting. Daily interdental cleaning helps prevent gingivitis and helps prevent receding gums linked to chronic inflammation. 

8. Hydrogen Peroxide 

Hydrogen Peroxide can reduce bacteria, but it can also irritate tissues if overused or too strong. 

• Use 3% hydrogen peroxide. 
• Dilute 1:1 with water (for example, 1 tablespoon peroxide + 1 tablespoon water / 15 mL + 15 mL). 
• Swish for 30 seconds, then spit and rinse with water. 
• Limit to 2–3 times per week. 

Evidence exists for peroxide-based rinses in plaque/gingivitis control, and professional guidance matters for safe use.  

9. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera gel (oral-safe) may soothe irritated gums and support healing in mild inflammation. 

• Use a small amount of oral aloe gel along the gumline after brushing. 
• Or use an aloe-based mouthwash if it is designed for oral use. 

Some clinical studies show aloe vera products can reduce gingival inflammation and plaque compared with baseline, but results depend on the product and routine.  

10. Septilin 

• Septilin is an herbal supplement used in some traditional systems. People use it for immune support and inflammation. Evidence for gum recession is limited, and supplements can interact with medications. 
• Talk with a dentist or physician before using Septilin, especially with pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, blood thinners, or chronic illness. 
• Use it only as an add-on to oral hygiene, not as a replacement for periodontal care. 

11. Turmeric Gel 

Turmeric (curcumin) gels have been studied as an adjunct for plaque-induced gingivitis. 

• If you use a turmeric gel, apply a thin layer to inflamed gums after brushing. 
• Keep expectations realistic: turmeric can help reduce gingival inflammation, but it does not rebuild lost gum tissue. 
• Reviews of curcumin as an adjunct report improvements in gingival inflammation and plaque measures in multiple trials.  

12. Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil can be antimicrobial, but it is toxic if swallowed and irritating if too strong. 

• Do not use undiluted. 
• Dilute 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil for a brief gumline massage, then spit and rinse. 
• Do not use in children. 
• If you want an easier route, choose an antibacterial mouthwash recommended by your dentist. 

13. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

• Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation system-wide, and research shows they may help periodontal treatment outcomes when used as an adjunct. 
• Food sources: salmon, sardines, trout, chia seeds, flaxseed, walnuts. Supplement decisions should be personalized (especially with blood thinners). 
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report omega-3 supplementation can improve periodontal clinical parameters when combined with standard periodontal therapy in periodontitis patients.  

14. Thyme Essential Oil 

Thyme essential oil contains thymol, an ingredient used in some mouthwashes for plaque control. 

• Avoid DIY strong mixes. 
• If you want thyme benefits, pick a commercial mouthwash that lists thymol at a safe concentration. 
• Stop if burning or dryness starts. 

15. Lemon 

Lemon is tricky. Lemon contains vitamin C, which supports gum tissue health, but lemon juice is acidic and can weaken enamel. 

Use lemon safely: 

• Get vitamin C from foods: citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli. 
• If you drink lemon water, drink it with a meal, then rinse with plain water. 
• Do not brush for 30 minutes after acidic drinks. 
• Rubbing lemon directly on gums or teeth can worsen sensitivity and enamel wear. 

Surgical Solutions to Reverse Receding Gums 

If recession is more than mild, home care stabilizes things but does not restore coverage. A periodontist can measure recession depth, check for periodontal disease, and recommend Periodontal Disease treatment or Periodontal procedures that protect roots and reduce bone loss.  

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery (periodontal pocket reduction surgery) involves lifting gum tissue to remove tartar and bacteria deep under the gums, then repositioning the gum tissue to reduce pocket depth. 

This is common when periodontal disease has created deeper pockets that home care cannot clean. 

Tissue Graft 

A tissue graft (gum grafting / gingival grafting) adds tissue to thin areas and covers exposed roots. Gum grafting also helps reduce sensitivity and lowers the risk of further recession in that spot.  

Bone Regeneration 

If bone loss has occurred, bone regeneration techniques can help restore supporting bone in certain cases. This often pairs with deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) and sometimes guided tissue regeneration. 

LANAP® 

LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a laser-based periodontal therapy used for periodontal pockets in some clinics. It aims to reduce bacteria and inflamed tissue with less cutting than traditional surgery in selected cases. Ask a periodontist whether you are a candidate and what results to expect. 

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Health: Myth or Fact? 

Fact: gum disease and heart disease are associated. Myth: treating gum disease guarantees heart protection. Research shows an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, but that does not prove gum disease causes heart disease. Inflammation and shared risk factors (like smoking and diabetes) likely play a role.  

Treat gum disease for oral health first: less bleeding gums, less bad breath, less tooth loss risk, and a lower chance of ongoing infection. 

Conclusions 

Natural remedies for receding gums that actually work focus on plaque control, inflammation control, and stopping daily trauma. Oil Pulling, Saltwater Rinse, green tea, aloe vera, and omega-3 fatty acids can support gum health, but they work best when brushing correctly and flossing regularly are already in place.  

If roots stay exposed, sensitivity increases, or pockets keep deepening, book an exam with a dentist or periodontist. True recession and periodontal disease need professional diagnosis and a plan, and that plan can include Scaling and Root Planing, antibacterial mouthwash, grafting, or laser options like LANAP®.