Fact Check: Can Celery Juice Help Reverse Receding Gums?

An Instagram post claims that celery juice helps reverse receding gums. The claim by the user is False.

Claim

An Instagram post claims that celery juice helps reverse receding gums. The post has been uploaded by the user medicalmedium states "Celery Juice helps reverse tooth decay & receding gums".

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Though celery is a healthy vegetable with anti-inflammatory properties, gum recession is not reversible through diet alone.

What are Receding Gums?

Receding Gums, also known medically as Gingival Recession, occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the root. It can result from misaligned teeth with inadequate bone coverage, genetics (thin or fragile gums), aggressive brushing, trauma, or periodontal disease. If untreated, it may lead to further gum and bone loss. Treatment depends on the cause and severity—ranging from improving oral hygiene techniques to professional procedures like scaling and root planing for gum disease or gum graft surgery to restore tissue, cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further recession.

Receding Gums cannot be reversed naturally.

What are the nutritional benefits of Celery?

Celery (Apium graveolens), a member of the Apiaceae family, is rich in phytochemicals like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis. Flavonoids in celery lower cardiovascular inflammation, while phthalides help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. 

Can Celery Juice Help Reverse Receding Gums?

Celery offers certain oral health benefits, such as antibacterial activity and inducing saliva production, but there is no scientific evidence that it can regenerate lost gingiva.

A study by Genatrika et al. concluded that celery-containing toothpastes can be used as natural antibacterial agents for the prevention of dental caries caused by Streptococcus mutans. But, the study does not mention regarding the gingival growth potential of celery. 

Celery has various nutritional benefits. A review in Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy notes that celery contains vitamin C, beta carotene, protein, fat, and minerals, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The study does not mention any role in reversing gingival recession.

According to an article published in Odonto: Dental Journal, gargling for three days with 10% celery leaf extract was as effective as 0.1% chlorhexidine in treating post-scaling gingivitis. The article does not mention anything regarding the reversal of gum recession naturally.

Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Treatment of gum recession typically requires dental procedures. While celery juice contains nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants that can support general oral health, reduce inflammation and have antibacterial properties, there is no scientific evidence to suggest it can regenerate gum tissue or reverse gum recession. 

Dr Bhupesh Panjiar, Dr Panjiar's Multispecialty Dental Centre, Pune, told Health Dialogues, "Celery juice is rich in antioxidants and can support overall health, including oral wellness. However, once gum tissue has receded to a particular extent, it cannot be restored through nutrition alone. Clinical interventions such as grafting are the only proven methods to reverse gum recession."

Dr Tanvi Malankar, Oral Surgeon, Celeb Face Clinic, Pune, told Health Dialogues, "Celery juice can be a great addition to a balanced diet, but it shouldn't be seen as a cure for receding gums. There’s a big difference between maintaining gum health and reversing gum damage. Celery juice may support inflammation control, but reversing recession requires professional intervention."

Health Dialogues Final Take

While celery juice offers general anti-inflammatory benefits and supports a healthy oral environment, it does not regrow lost gum tissue. Diet alone, no matter how healthy, cannot undo structural damage to the gums. Treatment typically requires professional dental care.

Hence, the user's claim is False.