Main Causes Of Red Gums

At some time in your adult life, you may notice a change in your gums. Instead of a healthy pink color, you notice you have red gums. While you may like the new look, you should not. Red gums is an indication your mouth is not healthy. You are having a serious dental health issue.

What are Red Gums?
Red gums are simply that – gums that are red in color. Normally, your gums appear as a healthy pink. The teeth they support are white and free of plaque and tartar. The teeth are also stable in your mouth. They do not wiggle or pull apart from the gum line.

If you have red gums, you may also have the following oral problems:

• Swollen gums
• Bright, shiny gums
• A tenderness of the gums around the teeth
• Loose teeth that may eventually fall out
• A build-up of plaque
• Persistent bad breath
• The presence of tartar on the teeth

All these are symptoms of the probable causes of red gums.

What Causes Red Gums?
Several health issues may result in you having red gums. These include diabetes during pregnancy, throat conditions such as thrush, a lack of certain vitamins e.g. scurvy and malnutrition. Other things such as improperly brushing your teeth – too hard or in the wrong manner, as well as certain dental procedures, may result in red gums. However, the major cause of red gums is gum disease. This can be either the early stage of gingivitis (bleeding gums) or the later stage of periodontitis.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is the result of bad bacteria. If left alone, it will grow in mouth crevasses and around teeth and gums. As it multiplies, it releases toxins. This, in turn produces infections. The infections create such problems as red, shiny gums, and pockets between teeth and gums. Plaque is also a product of bacteria.

Plaque contains infectious bacteria. It lies in a slimy covering over the teeth. The toxins work within the plaque to erode the teeth and attack the gum tissue. The overall result is red, swollen, tender and even bleeding gums. Your breath becomes increasingly worse. In the end, your teeth may become loose and fall out. If you do not stop gum disease at the initial stages, the only remedy may be surgery.

Treatment for Red Gums
Treatment for red gums is based entirely on the cause. If it is a medical issue, a doctor will diagnose the problem and prescribe the right treatment. If it is dental, the dentist will take the right corrective measures. In certain instances, surgery may repair the damage. If the problem is early gum disease, the dentist should be able to help you get rid of it. He or she will also insist you begin a proper method of oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene is a preventive treatment for gingivitis. It is a simple and inexpensive way to protect your teeth from red gums and related dental problems. You need to daily brush your teeth using a quality toothbrush and toothpaste. Some favor all-natural products over commercial name brands.

In addition to brushing, you will need to floss and rinse your mouth, be careful selecting the right items. You do not want to encourage bacterial growth. To avoid it, do not use a product containing alcohol. If you want to prevent unnecessary bleeding from the gums, do not pick too thick floss.

Moreover, do not forget the importance of an annual check-up. You should also see a dental hygienist or dentist twice a year for a cleaning.

Conclusion
Several medical and dental issues may result in red gums. The main cause, however, is gum disease. You can prevent this with proper and thorough oral hygiene practices.