Gum regrowth— it might be possible

Partial gum regrowth is a complex topic, as traditional dental wisdom suggests that once gum tissue has receded due to conditions like periodontitis, it cannot fully regenerate. However, there is emerging evidence that certain regenerative techniques, particularly red light therapy, may promote some degree of gum tissue improvement, especially in cases of mild recession or inflammation.

I think in cases like this, it’s important to focus on mechanisms. At the cellular level, we observe many biological changes taking place with some of the treatments below that could suggest a plausible means through which small, gradual improvements in gum tissue regrowth (or at least maintenance of current gum tissue) could be achieved. Similar to cartilage regrowth, it may be possible to achieve gradual improvements and a reversal of tissue loss, especially in the early to mid-progression stages.

It's important to consider that regenerative aims—like gum regrowth or even cartilage regrowth—need to be performed against the backdrop of a healthy, well-nourished body. One reason we tend to see poor outcomes with regenerative techniques (think stem cells, peptides, red light therapy, etc.) for ‘incurable’ tissue disorders (OA, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, gum loss, etc.) is NOT because these conditions are physiologically impossible to improve (mechanistic data, as well as many positive clinical outcomes, demonstrate otherwise). Instead, it’s that few individuals are starting from a foundation of good health (gut health, mitochondrial function, systemic inflammation) before using regenerative therapies. We see this largely with treatments like cancer immunotherapy, where the therapy has a much higher ‘cure’ rate in individuals with healthier levels of commensal bacteria in the gut.

While this article couldn’t possibly cover all the necessary steps each individual needs to take to achieve good health, some things like the fungal protocol, as well as other core supplement and nutrition recommendations provided on the Patreon, will surely be useful. In the coming months, I’ll be releasing more articles to help you tackle these core challenges, including the circadian reset and some comprehensive dietary recommendations.

Once you’ve laid a solid foundation, there are a few things you may want to consider adding to your oral care routine (I’d also recommend checking out the full oral health protocol) for the gums specifically.

Thymalin

thymalin is an immune system peptide I’ve discussed a few times. It’s actually one of my all time favorite peptides. When it comes to the health of the gums, thymalin has some unique properties

Thymalin is primarily known for its immunomodulatory properties. It enhances the production and activity of our T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. A robust immune system is particularly important oral health, as it helps combat infections that can lead to gum disease.

One of the significant benefits of thymalin is its ability to regulate inflammation in a pretty powerful way. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in gum disease, leading to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Thymalin's immunoregulatory properties help reduce excessive immune activation and inflammation. Thymalin shifts macrophages away from their inflammatory phenotype, and towards their anti-inflammatory and repair state. This is really one of the first steps in tackling gum regrowth. If we’re chronically immunosuppressed or have inflammaed gum tissue, healing and regeneration based compounds won’t be effective. Clinical studies in Russia show that thymalin is very effective for combating periodontitis and gum disease.

How is it used?

Thymalin is performed as a subQ injection. 10mg for only 10 days. I get mine from cosmic nootropics. For severe indications, thymalin can be repeated once every 1-2 months until symptoms improve. If you’re curious, you can watch the educational ‘how to use peptides’ video guide here on patreon. For educational purposes only, of course…

paraprobiotics (IMMUSE strain)

If you’re not into injections, the second most comparable thing to thynmalin are paraprobiotics. Paraprobiotics like the IMMUSE strain ( aka Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma) stimulate what are referred to as plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which play a key function in activating various immune cells to help the body combat infections

Clinical trials show that strains like IMMUSE can help reduce chronic inflammation in the gums, which is a significant factor in conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis as we mentioned previously above.

IMMUSE also helps maintain a healthy balance of oral microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful ones, thereby inhibiting the overgrowth of pathogens that contribute to gum disease.

How do I use them?

There are a few ways you can use paraprobiotics, according to clinical studies. As a mouthwash (aka opening up ome capsule and swishing it around In the mouth) or taking and swallowing a capsule. Personally, I think swishing it around or letting it sit in the mouth for a few min (before swallowing) works fine. Best of both worlds. You don’t need to worry too much about how long it stays in the mouth. You can simply swish it around and then let it naturally make its way down as you swallow, eat, drink etc. it’s probably best to do this right before bed in my opinion though. Particularly to combat the rise of ‘bad bugs’ in the mouth at night. A really good approach might involve using bio-fresh enzymes first, then dissolving a capsule in the mouth. You could also take you spore based probiotics this way as well (dissolving in the mouth before bed) which has also been shown to benefit oral health).

https://nootropicsdepot.com/immuse-supplements/?srsltid=AfmBOoqV8XFSah5OChjSKKbPPrx1J7E2UFyAT7-CTjidCtng5xc5L3yS

Specialized pro resolving mediators (mouthwash)

SPMs are another amazing supplement that can enhance the function of macrophages, particularly M2 macrophages, which are involved in tissue repair and regeneration. These macrophages undergo a lipid mediator class switch during the resolution phase of inflammation, which produces SPMs that further promote healing. Studies have shown that SPMs can stimulate macrophages to engage in efferocytosis, which in layman’s terms is the process of clearing apoptotic cells, which is needed for tissue repair. SPM’s help quench inflammation. But rather than blocking it like most drugs and supplements, they directly promote the repair of damage tissue induced by the inflammation itself.

How are they used?

SPM’s have been well studied in countries like Italy, particularly for their periodontal applications. Both as oral and as a topical (mouthwash) application. I think chewing up 3 capsules (one in the morning, and once in the evening, totaling 6 capsules daily) is a good strategy. You can swish the SPM’s around in the oral cavity for 5min to get local benefits for the gums. Then you can swallow the rest for the systemic benefits. I like the MetaGenics brand.

https://caseintegrativehealth.myshopify.com/

Red light therapy

Once a good foundation has been laid, we can add some regenerative techniques like red light therapy or other ‘biohacks’ into the mix.

RLT basically uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate biological tissues, stimulating cellular activity (ATP production, exclusion zone water etc). This process enhances energy production in cells, particularly in gingival fibroblasts, which are needed to imitate the repair of damage gum tissue.

One of the most significant benefits of red light therapy is its ability to increase blood circulation in the treated area. enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the gum tissue, which is essential for healing. RLT will also promotes

the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that further improves blood flow, creating a more favorable tissue micro-enviroment needed for regeneration. This is particularly powerful when used consistently over time, and in combination with the previously mentioned supplements. RLT is also profoundly anti-inflammatory, and also shifts marcophages towards their anti-inflammatory, pro-repair phenotype.

How is it used?

Because red and infared light penetrate deep into biological tissues, you can simply use a red light therapy device for 10min on the mouth. Just place the panel directly over the lips. Needs to be in direct contact with the skin. I really like a lot of the smaller Gembared panels for this (you can use the code GRANTFOWLER15 for 10% off), particularly the 1050/810 wavelength mini panels and the 630/850 mini. You can also use those oral red light therapy mouth pieces found on Amazon — any brand works. Use for 10-15min, 4-5x a week.

Dragons blood tincture

One particularly promising supplements for gum regrowth is dragons blood. In some small studies, DB has been shown to enhance the levels of various growth factors that are crucial for wound healing. TGF-B1 is one example, which is necessary for collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling. It helps in the formation of granulation tissue, which is a necessary step in the healing process. Higher levels of TGF-B1 have been associated with improved wound healing outcomes.

MMPs are another, which are enzymes that play a critical role in the remodeling of extracellular matrix during wound healing. Dragon's blood has been found to increase

MMP-3, which aids in the breakdown of damaged ECM components and facilitates the migration of cells necessary for tissue repair. This enzymatic activity is needed for both wound healing and gum regeneration, since it allows for the proper restructuring of the ECM

One study on rodents noted the following— ‘Dragon's blood extract can inhibit TLR4/NF- κB. Activation of B pathway inhibits inflammatory response and promotes periodontal tissue repair in gingivitis rats’

While it’s difficult to say how well GB works, numerous anecdotes abound. particularly around its alleged ability to promote the partial regrowth of gum tissue. Its worth a shot

How is it used?

Use a dropper full as a mouthwash for 10-15mjn

Luna Sundara Dragon's Blood (Amazon product which won’t link )

Platlet rich plasma (PRP)

PRP isn’t just useful for managing degenerative or orthopedic injuries. treatment for various dental issues, including gum disease and the potential regrowth of gum tissue also exist. PRP involves concentrating the platelets and growth factors that are crucial for healing and tissue regeneration from a patient, and injecting it back into the injuried or damaged area.

PRP is derived from the patient's blood through a process that involves something called a centrifugation, which separates the blood components. The resulting plasma is rich in platelets, which contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration. When injected into the gums, PRP can stimulate the healing process by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and collagen synthesis, all of which are crucial for potential regrowth to take place

By improving the health of the gums and the supporting structures, PRP has been shown in studies help stabilize teeth that may have become loose due to gum disease

PRP is generally considered safe and minimally invasive.

How is it used?

To get PRP, you’ll need to find a biological/functional dentist that specializes in PRP treatments

DMSO

DMSO has some impact on dental tissues and cells, although we don’t have a lot of direct evidence that it benefits gum regrowth specifically. However, DMSO has been used successfully for wound and other tissues injuries, so I think it’s possible there could be some potential application here.

For example, the ability of DMSO to enhance the wettability of dentin and the bond strength of adhesive systems may promote better integration of restorative materials with gum tissues, potentially supporting gum health and stability when combined with other surgical interventions.

DMSO also inhibited enzymes that degrade collagen, so it could theoretically help maintain the integrity of the extracellular matrix in gum tissues. The dissociation of water molecules in dentin by DMSO also leads to increased interfibrillar space, which theoretically could create a more favorable micro-environment for cellular activities and tissue regeneration like gum healing. While DMSO can decrease cell viability and osteogenic differentiation in certain stem cell lines, it’s protective effects against reactive oxygen species also indicate a potential mechanism for protecting gum tissue. Combined with other mechanism above, I think it might be useful.

How is it used?

For oral health, 100% DMSO is often used at concentrations of 3-4 drops orally and swished for 5min

https://a.co/d/7cOvAsd

Topical GHK-CU peptide

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide that with numerous regenerative properties. GHK-CU promotes tissue regeneration by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues, including our gums. By enhancing collagen synthesis, is theoretically possible that GHK can help in repairing damaged gum tissue, although we don’t have a lot of studies on this directly

How is it used?

Reconstitute a 50mg bottle of GHK-CU (I like peptide science or Canlabs brand) and squirt 1-2mg into the mouth. Can be swished along with other products for 10-20mi. Use for at least 2 months

Dental Bond Peptide and anti-gingival Degenerate Peptide

AGDP and DDP are newer class of dental peptides aimed at promoting gum health and preventing degeneration of periodontal tissues. AGDP and DDP works by promting expression of growth factors, such as TGF-B, which is needed for collagen production and the formation of the extracellular matrix by fibroblasts. This biochemistry is is key for repairing and regenerating gingival tissues, particularly when they are compromised due to periodontal disease. Ancedotally, some Reddit forum members have reported some substantial improvements in partial gum regrowth. Evidence is limited, but both of these are safe and promising!

How is it used?

Swish with oraltide pro mouthwash (from QI supplements) for 10-15min. You can combine this with GHK, dmso and other peptides as well. DMSO will help the peptides penetrate deeper into the gums, so this is an ideal combination.

https://qisupplements.com/products/oraltide-

Oral probiotic

Probiotic strains that are native to the oral microbiome, like streptococcus salivarius, plays a big role in maintaining oral health and gum healfh. Its benefits stem from its ability to balance the oral microbiome, inhibit harmful bacteria, and enhance the immune systems ability to repair damaged tissues. Bad bacteria in the mouth do the opposite, contributing to tissue and gum inflammation

S. salivarius is one of the first bacteria to colonize the mouth after birth, influencing the development of the oral microbiome dramatically. It helps maintain a balanced microbial environment by competing for space and resources against pathogenic bacteria, similar to what spores do in the gut.

One of the primary mechanisms through which S salivarius benefits oral health is by producing bacteriocins (again, similar to spores like bacillus subtilus in the gut), which are proteinaceous toxins that inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms. These bacteriocins specifically target harmful bacteria like streptococcus mutans, which is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease

How is it used?

Dissolve 1 tablet in the mouth and swish for 5min. Bristlehealth oral probiotic. Use twice a day (morning and before bed) for serious oral health issues

https://www.bristlehealth.com/pages/probiotic?

Sample protocol — 2-3 months

1. 10 day course of thymalin to kickstart the immune system

2. 2 month course of immuse

3. Morning — mouthwash swish — pro-resolving mediators (2-3 capsules) with dragons blood (1 super full)

4. Before bed — red light therapy (10-15min) on the gums followed by oraltide rinse combined with GHK and DMSO. Peptides like BPC and TB4 could also be added to the oral rinse (mix them into the oraltide bottle). Swish gently in the mouth to avoid breaking the peptide bonds

4. Before bed after oraltide — probiotic lozenge. Dissolve and wish liquid in mouth for 5min before spitting out. For more serious oral issues, use oral probiotic twice a day once in the morning as well.