How to Treat Red Gums

Red gums are a sign of a more serious health problem. If you discover them when brushing, it is essential you find out the cause. Only after you know the cause can you arrange for treatment.

What Is The Cause Of Red Gums?
You may have red gums as the result of medical issues. Your gums may be red because of dental problems. The food you eat, or do not eat, may also be at fault. In fact, red gums may result from several things including:

• An infection of your sinuses
• A cavity
• A tooth abscess
• Food dyes
• Dyes in various lozenges
• Environmental factors in the form of irritants such as heavy coal and metal dust
• Ill-fitting dentures or other dental devices
• Thrush
• Scurvy
• Hormonal changes particularly those of the endocrines
• Gestational diabetes
• Gum disease – gingivitis and periodontal disease

If you believe red gums is the result of a medical condition, talk to your doctor. If the source of the problem is dental, see your dentist.

In fact, the most common cause of red gums is dental – specifically gum disease.

How Do You Treat Red Gums?
Red gums are usually a sign of gum disease. The basic treatment is to address the cause of red gums and, therefore, gum disease. Red swollen gums are the result of inflammation. Inflammation occurs when food particles gather in mouth recesses and around teeth. The bits of food provide a diet for bacteria. Bacteria grow around teeth and gums. As the bacteria increases, it begins to form into plaque. It also erodes the enamel of the teeth eating into bone and tissue. This produces irritation as well as other symptoms, including bright gums, dark tartar and loose teeth.

A simple remedy may be possible before you see the dentist. For temporary relief, you might want to consider gargling or rinsing your mouth with salt water. To get rid of the bacteria causing red gums and gum disease, you need to look at your oral hygiene. Depending upon the extent of the problem, you may be able to proceed with doing so after a cleaning or proper scaling by your dentist.

The next step, even if the problem has advanced to stage 2 or periodontitis, is putting into place a solid, proper oral hygiene system. Talk to your dentist. He or she is sure to recommend you toss out your old toothbrush, replacing it with a new soft bristled one. After that, the best policy is to

• Brush your teeth daily, usually after every meal and snack as well as before bedtime. Choose toothpaste you prefer but consider an all-natural product or baking soda
• Rinse your mouth on a regular basis. Whatever your choice, make sure the product does not contain alcohol which results in dry mouth. Dry mouth encourages the growth of gum-disease-causing bacteria
• Floss

All these measures will act as a preventive measure.

Conclusion
It is not difficult to treat red gums. It is, however, best to do so before the problem becomes serious. See a dentist to prevent gingivitis becoming periodontitis. Talk to him or her about what you need to do then go home to start and maintain a daily routine of good oral hygiene.