Red gums are not a pretty sight. They are not normal. In fact, red gums indicate a more serious problem. In mouth crevasses and around teeth, in the dark regions of your oral cavities, bacteria are producing infectious material. While you ignore the problem, gum disease is taking over your mouth.

Red Gums and Gum Disease
Red gums are a sign of a health problem. In some cases, a medical issue may cause your gums to be swollen, sore and red. Diabetes during pregnancy, scurvy and thrush are all medical issues characterized by red gums. Yet, the most common reason for swollen, bright red gums is a dental problem – gum disease.

Gum disease occurs when you fail to remove all food particles through oral hygiene from your mouth. The small pieces of food and drink provide the ideal environment for bacteria to grow. As the bacteria grow, it invades the dark corners of your gums and teeth. It spreads an infectious film over your teeth. This is called plaque.

Plaque is a whitish, sticky substance that contains bacteria and infection. It continues to expand. As it does so, it burrows into the teeth and gum line. Eventually, this action widens the gap between the teeth and the gum lines. The infection also weakens the bones connecting the teeth and gums. This, in turn, loosens the teeth.

Plaque does not remain plaque. It hardens. When it does so, it becomes tartar. Tartar is a clear sign of more serious gum disease. This severe stage is periodontitis. The only remedy or treatment for this stage of gum disease is surgery. A dental surgeon may have to remove your teeth.

Yet, all this is unnecessary. Not only can you avoid periodontitis and gingivitis, you can get rid of red gums. You do so by adopting a proactive approach. You stop red gums before they get a chance to start. This is the connection between red gums and oral hygiene.

Oral Hygiene
A dentist can clean your teeth. He or she will remove plaque and tartar. This is an annual process. On a daily basis, you can take care of your teeth. You can make sure red gums; plaque and tartar do not achieve a foot hold. You can achieve this easily and inexpensively. You adopt a simple oral hygiene process and apply it on a daily basis.

A proper and thorough oral hygiene system consists of 4 main steps.

1. Brush your teeth after every meal, after snacks and before bed using a soft-bristled brush and quality toothpaste. Make sure the toothpaste lacks harmful chemicals and unnecessary sugars. Consider such home toothpastes as baking soda or purchase an all-natural toothpaste for the best results
2. Floss daily. Do so particularly before bedtime
3. Rinse your mouth out before or after brushing and before you go to bed. Rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash will remove any excess food particles and prevent bacterial growth. Alcohol tends to work effectively only briefly. With usage, it results in dry mouth. Dry mouth actually encourages bacterial growth
4. Pay an annual visit to your dentist for a check-up and a visit twice a year to your dentist or dental hygienist for a cleaning. These visits will make sure you are keeping your mouth in good condition

Conclusion
Red gums and oral hygiene have a definite and direct connection. You may not always be able to get rid of many dental problems. You can, however, make sure you do not get red gums and the accompanying gum disease. Talk to your dentist about how to properly clean and take care of your teeth. He or she will help you set in place a proper method of oral hygiene.