If you wish to keep your smile pretty and free of problems, you need to avoid anything that can affect it. It is not always possible to avoid accidental harm to your teeth. It is possible, however, to avoid swollen bright red gums. In doing so, you will prevent gum disease. You will also preserve your sweet breath, teeth and everything else that makes your smile healthy.

Red Gums
As the name indicates, red gums are exactly that – red. While healthy gums are a pretty coral pink, unhealthy gums are anywhere from pale white to bright or dark red. Many things might cause red gums. Food dyes may temporarily color your gums. A lack of vitamin C results in scurvy with its accompanying red gums and loose teeth. Even diabetes during pregnancy may result in red gums.

Yet, the major cause of red gums is gum disease. This results from bacteria building up in mouth crevasses and around teeth and gums. The bacteria then create plaque. Behind the plaque, infection forms. It attacks the enamel and digs down into the bones and tissue supporting the teeth. The gums become red, swollen and tender.

Bacteria create pockets, between teeth and gums. This forces gaps between the teeth. The gum line recedes. Eventually, tartar forms on the teeth. Tartar is an indication gum disease is leaving phase one – gingivitis. It is now becoming phase or stage two – periodontitis. This progression means a remedy is not simple. Treatment will require more than teeth scaling or cleaning. With the onset of periodontitis, you may actually require surgery to take care of the problem.

Tips To Prevent Red Gums
This does not need to happen. With a few simple tips, you can prevent red gums.

• Eat nutritiously. Make sure your diet contains plenty of fruit and vegetables and fewer sugars and complex carbohydrates
• Exercise. Exercise helps your body stay in shape. It makes you feel good about yourself. If you feel good about yourself, you will take better care of such things as diet and personal care, including your mouth, teeth and gums
• Adopt a proper oral hygiene practice. You need to brush your teeth daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and quality toothpaste. Consider the benefits of natural products. This does not contain any of the sugars or chemicals found in name brand toothpastes. It also performs a role in another part of a good oral hygiene program – a mouth rinse
• Oral hygiene extends to more than brushing your teeth daily, after meals, between snacks and before bed. You need to floss your teeth daily. You should also rinse or gargle regularly. Make sure the product does not contain any bacteria-encouraging contents such as alcohol.
• Visit your dentist. Every year make the pilgrimage for a check-up. Your dentist will tell you if you are doing a good job at preventing red gums.
• Twice a year see a dental hygienist or your dentist for a good cleaning.

Conclusion
You can get rid of the fear of red gums. Preventing it is not only easy, but also inexpensive. If you eat properly, exercise regularly and take care of your teeth and gums, you have nothing to fear from red gums and gum disease.