If you spot red gums, do not hesitate to visit your dentist. You want to prevent anything more severe developing. Red gums are not a disease, but they do indicate you may have gum disease. If this is the case, it is best to take steps immediately to stop it progressing. It is also important you learn how to prevent red gums reoccurring in the future.
What Causes Red Gums?
To prevent red gums from coming back, you need to know what cause it. While certain medical conditions such as thrush and scurvy may result in dark or bright red, swollen gums, the most common cause is gum disease. Gum disease is prevalent among 75% all adult Americans over the age of 35. It occurs when bacteria grows uninhibited around teeth and in mouth tissues.
The first sign of gum disease is often red, swollen and tender gums. Another indication is the filmy, whitish layer on the teeth. This is plaque. Plaque is built-up bacterial growth. It covers the surface of the teeth. If left unhindered, plaque will destroy enamel, bone and gum tissue. As a result, the gums redden more and even bleed. The teeth become loose. The gum line increases. Teeth, eventually, loosen and fall out.
This progression of dental aches and pains is the result of bacterial growth. If you do not stop it as soon as you suspect it, red gums will become so much more. The red gums of gingivitis are a mild form of gum disease. The red gums of periodontitis are a severe form. The remedy for the former is easy and inexpensive. Treatment for the latter is expensive. To get rid of it may involve surgery.
Surgical treatment for periodontitis may consist of any of the following:
- Soft Tissue Grafts
- Pocket Reduction actions
- Regenerative measures
- Lengthening of the crown
Treatment for red gums during the gingivitis stage is easier and acts as a preventive measure.
Preventing Red Gums
It is easy to prevent red gums. You simply have to follow a basic and daily procedure. Adopt a thorough procedure of oral hygiene. This will eliminate the bacteria responsible for causing red gums and gum disease. A simple four-step oral hygiene system will make sure your teeth and you act to prevent gum disease before it has a chance to start.
A Four-Step Oral Hygiene Program
- Every morning, afternoon and evening following meals and between snacks, brush your teeth. Use effective toothpaste. You might want to look at the possibilities including all-natural products or commercial name brands.
- Floss your teeth as regularly as you brush them
- Rinse your mouth to remove lodged particles of food. Select a product suitable to your needs. Consider the versatility of such natural products that double as a mouthwash or opt for a commercial product. Try to avoid alcohol-based products. These only add to the problem of bacterial growth
- Visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and your dentist or oral hygienist for a thorough cleaning annually or twice a year.
Conclusion
If you want to prevent red gums and gum disease, be proactive. Adopt a daily routine of proper oral hygiene care. This is not a cure, but it will help you remove the cause of gum disease, bad bacteria, from your mouth. In doing so, you increase your chances of not being among the 75% of adult Americans with gum disease.
