Natural Health: What can I do about my receding gums?

Plus: natural remedies for car sickness

"Working with a dental hygienist is essential to help treat pre-existing gum issues, prevent further gum recession, and support your efforts to improve your gum integrity."

My gums have started to recede in places. My dentist says it’s because I’ve been brushing my teeth incorrectly. I’ve changed to a soft toothbrush and am careful to use the right brushing technique. I also floss every night. Is there anything else I could do?

Switching to a soft brush and using better brushing and flossing techniques will significantly improve your gum health.

Working with a dental hygienist is essential to help treat pre-existing gum issues, prevent further gum recession, and support your efforts to improve your gum integrity.

Loose and receding gums can result from ineffective brushing techniques, dietary choices, particular medications, injury, or an underlying condition.

Healthy gum pockets should measure two to three millimetres, however, when they go deeper than this, bacteria can attack parts of the tooth that don’t have enamel for protection, sometimes resulting in bone loss.

Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) in the form of Ubiquinol is a powerful nutrient for gum repair. It helps strengthen and repair gum tissue and addresses bone loss.

Rinsing the mouth with salt water kills bacteria in the soft tissues, and rinsing with sodium ascorbate (non-acidic vitamin C) promotes tissue health. Rinse with the salt water first thing in the morning, then with the vitamin C solution half an hour later, and repeat this each evening.

We’re going on holiday to France with a five- and two-year-old next month. The older child often gets car sickness so I’d like to pack a remedy for the journey. Also, what natural first-aid products would you recommend I bring?

Chamomile and ginger are my top two herbal remedies for anxiety and travel sickness. You can combine these two herbs and add honey to sweeten if needed. Use a teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of boiling water and steep for four to six minutes. Strain it off, leave it to cool, then pop it in a water bottle.

My first choice for a natural first aid kit would be activated charcoal. You can purchase it either as a loose powder or in capsules. If you get the capsules, they are simple to break open and add to food or drink for easy ingestion.

Activated charcoal can carry 2,000 times its own weight in toxins. It is useful in treating food poisoning or even modulating digestive upset to new or unusual foods. Mix a teaspoon in 100-200ml of water, stir well, and drink it immediately.

I would also carry Rescue Remedy, which comes in spray, drops, or pastilles. This Bach Flower essence combination is ideal for panic, shock, or distress.

Arnica cream is excellent for bruises, sprains, and bumps and assists in the healing of more serious issues such as fractures and deep wounds. It is available in homoeopathic form as tablets, tinctures, and pillules for internal use.

Clove bud tincture is a handy remedy should any painful dental issues arise. Use a cotton bud and apply it directly to help numb dental pain until you can get to a dentist.

Calendula salve or cream is the perfect solution for itching, inflammation, sunburn, or soothing frayed nerves. It can also help with bites and stings and is a simple lip balm.

• If you have a question for Megan Sheppard, please email it to [e-mail]
• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.