Causes Of Red Gums

Swollen, bright red gums are not a pretty sight. More importantly, red gums indicate a serious problem. Red gums around teeth and throughout your mouth are a sign of dental problems. If you do not see your dentist about the problem, it could become serious.

Main Causes of Red Gums

Red gums are not natural. The color of healthy gums is a soft, coral pink. Dark or bright red gums indicate trouble. The causes of this dental problem may vary. They can include the following:

• Irritants from the environment – particularly environmental particles such as coal dust and metal
• Sinus infection
• Certain medical conditions such as thrush, viral or fungal infections
• Scurvy – a lack of Vitamin C
• Malnutrition
• Cavity
• Abscessed tooth if left untreated
• Pregnancy – changes in a woman’s hormonal levels may result in red and swollen gums
• Pregnancy – if the woman has gestational diabetes, this can also affect the color of her gums
• Trauma as a result of the occlusion of the teeth

However, the most common cause of red gums is gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a common problem. It affects many adult North Americans. It occurs when an individual fails to take proper care of his or her teeth. In particular, the failure to remove all particles of food creates the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.

As bacteria grow around teeth and gums, it begins to coat the enamel. Bacteria take the form of a filmy substance called plaque. If the bacteria continue to multiply, the plaque will increase. The following will also happen:

• Red gums
• Tender and swollen gums
• Gums that bleed upon brushing or after eating
• Constant bad breath
• Teeth that are loose and wiggle when touched
• Gums that are pulled back – shrunk away – from the teeth
• If the problem enters the second phase of gum disease – periodontitis, the teeth may actually fall out. There is no remedy for this final stage of gum disease

Preventing Red Gums And Gum Disease

You do not need to suffer from red gums and gum disease. You can get rid of it before it happens. The prevention of the problem is also the best treatment for the early stages. The method is simple – adopt a proper and complete system of oral hygiene.

Proper oral hygiene consists of:

• Brushing your teeth with the proper brush daily
• Using a toothpaste, whether natural or any of the national brands daily
• Gargling or rinsing mouth with a recognized mouthwash. In mouth wash choices pick one lacking alcohol This will decrease the chance of dry mouth, a cause of bacterial growth
• Flossing daily – preferably after each meal and before bed
• Visit your dentist annually for a check-up
• See you dentist or dental hygienist once or twice a year for a cleaning

Conclusion

Your teeth are important. You need them to eat food and to flash around a smile. Red gums are a sign all is not right in your mouth. Treatment is possible to prevent gingivitis becoming periodontitis. Yet, preventive measures are always better. Adopt a thorough system of oral hygiene. It will ensure you keep on smiling