If you discover red gums, you need to talk to a dentist. It is important to learn the cause of the problem. If it is gum disease, you can treat your bright red, swollen and tender gums naturally and effectively. This, of course, is applicable after your dentist cleans your teeth and it is not periodontitis.

Waiting for the Dentist
You may not be able to get in to see the dentist immediately. While you can turn to over the counter (OTC) medications, you can also soothe any pain naturally. You might want to try the following:

• Aloe vera gel – This is available in capsule form at pharmacies and health food stores. You simply break the capsule and apply the gel onto your gums. Alternatively, you can obtain the gel directly for the plant. Grocery and department stores as well as nurseries and flower shops sell aloe vera plants. You can grow them on your windowsill. Application is simple. Break off a small leaf. You will see the gel inside. Apply it.
• Lemon tea – Boil a pot of water. Place within it a sliced, fresh lemon. Let the mixture cool. When it is warm, drink it slowly down. Allow it to remain inside your mouth to help soothe the red gums.
• Oregano oil – massage the oil onto your gums or place a small quantity of oil in warm water and gargle
• Peppermint tea – Boil water. Place a few leaves of fresh peppermint into a pot. Let the mixture cool. Add a small amount of salt if desires. Drink tea.
• Warm water and salt – Combine the two ingredients. Rinse out your mouth. It will flow in mouth dark corners and around teeth and gums to ease the pain of swollen, tender and shiny gums

After you see the dentist, you need to take control of the health of your mouth and all it contains. You can do so naturally

Preventing Red Gums and Gum Disease Naturally
You can prevent red gums and gum disease, naturally. You need to reconsider your diet and put in place a proper and thorough method of oral hygiene. Start with looking at what you eat. Does it contain a lot of starchy, fatty and sugary food? If so, try to eliminate or at least cut down on these products. Sugar and fat work away at the enamel of the mouth and help bad bacteria.

Increase the amount of raw vegetables and fresh fruit you eat. Buy in season. Avoid over-processed canned fruit and vegetables. Make sure you eat enough to obtain the right amount of vitamins and minerals required to prevent such things as scurvy and other vitamin-deficiency problems.

Do not forget the role of calcium. If you have problems digesting dairy products, consider the alternatives. Talk to your doctor or a health food specialist. These individual experts can help you ensure you get enough calcium in your diet.

Another aspect of controlling your red gums and associated problems naturally relies on oral hygiene. This involves both choosing and using the right tools. You need to

• Select a toothbrush suited to the task. Use it after every meal and after snacks. You can find all sorts of natural toothpaste products to use. Baking soda is a common commercial toothpaste substitute. You may also want to look in stores or online for all-natural toothpastes.
• Purchase a natural mouthwash. Many commercial ones contain questionable substances, including alcohol. These may actually create the ideal environment for gum-disease causing bacteria. You should look for a non-alcoholic-based mouthwash, all natural ones, or use salt and water
• Floss – you can find natural or at least environmentally friendly floss. Talk to someone in a specialty store

Conclusion
Always check with your dentist to make sure you are on the right path. If you have any doubt about your remedy for red, swollen gums, make an appointment. Your dentist will help you in your treatment and in doing so will help you get rid of red gums and gum disease.