Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a YouTube video, massaging both teeth and gums with a turmeric and water gel can heal receding gums. We reviewed the claim. According to our findings, the assertion is Mostly False.
The Claim
A YouTube video titled “Heal Receding Gums and Grow Back” recommends a three-step night-time routine. These steps include rinsing the mouth, oil pulling with sesame oil and cloves, and finally applying turmeric gel to the teeth and gums. The video emphasizes the effectiveness of turmeric in reversing gum recession, particularly in the early stages.
Fact Check
What exactly is gum recession (GR)?
The term ‘gum recession‘ (GR) refers to oral exposure of the tooth root surface. This is distinguished by the movement of the gum margin below the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). It is the most common and unfavorable gum condition, and its prevalence tends to increase with age. Receding gums can actually impact more than one tooth. The condition is typically painless, but if not treated promptly, it can result in tooth sensitivity, tooth root cavities, cervical root abrasions, erosions, plaque buildup, and aesthetic dissatisfaction. Excessive tooth brushing pressure, the habit of teeth grinding, improper tooth brushing, destructive periodontal or gum conditions, misaligned teeth, high muscle attachments, and even cigarette smoking are the main causes of receding gums.
Is turmeric gel capable of reversing receding gums?
No, there is no concrete evidence. Turmeric, or haldi or yellow saffron, has a plethora of oral health benefits. This is because turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin has anticancer, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Besides that, it has long been used to maintain oral health by detecting plaque, as a mouthwash, and as a toothache reliever.
Additionally, curcumin has also been used as an antioxidant for increased free radical exposure caused by pollutants, cigarette smoke, medicines, illness, and even stress. Furthermore, turmeric gel may be useful in reducing gum inflammation and bleeding. Despite its numerous advantages, turmeric gel application cannot actually reverse gum recession. This is because the treatment of receding gums is dependent on the underlying cause of the condition. Furthermore, the dosage of turmeric required to relieve gum-related problems has not been identified. More research is required to establish its specific purpose, appropriate doses, and other medicinal characteristics.
When we asked dental expert Dr. Pooja Bhardwaj (BDS), if turmeric gel could reverse receding gums, she said, “Gum recession is accompanied by inflammation and infection of surrounding soft tissue. Turmeric gel has antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacterial growth and an anti-inflammatory effect that may reduce gum swelling and bleeding. It has to be kept in mind that the degree of severity of infection varies, and these home remedies might not work in all cases. One has to consult professionals for a well-defined treatment plan, which can be antibiotics, orthodontic bonding, or surgical correction.”
How should the gum recession be addressed?
The treatment of receding gums is based on a thorough assessment of the underlying causes and the degree of tissue involvement. It goes without saying that if the root cause of the problem is not resolved, therapeutic interventions will be undermined in the long run.
The initial part of gum recession management should be preventive, and the degree of gum recession should be professionally monitored for further signs of advancement. Modern dentistry emphasizes the conservative management of gum-related problems. The management involves both preventive therapy and dental office management. Preventive therapy usually includes proper diet and maintenance of oral hygiene.
It should be noted that if the gums swell due to plaque build-up, the dentist may perform a professional cleaning procedure. When the gums have receded to the point where the tooth root can be seen, the dentist may perform gum surgery with or without grafts. Warm saline rinses, oil pulling, and even massaging with turmeric and water could help keep the treated gums healthy. They cannot, however, reverse the receding gums. As a result, regular check-ups would be required to ensure that receding gums are properly treated.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: Turmeric is one of the most valuable and powerful plants on the planet, and it has long been regarded as a natural wonder in India. Turmeric has a wide range of dental applications. Although turmeric may help with oral health maintenance and may relieve gum swelling and tooth pain to some extent, it cannot reverse receding gums, which requires professional intervention. There is, however, a scarcity of information and research in the field. As a result, we conclude that the assertion is mostly false.
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