What Are Red Gums?

Whenever you brush your teeth, take a look at your gums. It is important you notice the color. Do you have red gums? Are they pink? You should also touch them. Are they sensitive, swollen or bright? If your teeth and gums are in any way different from the norm, this will indicate dental problems you need to deal with immediately.

What Are Normal Gums And Teeth?
Normal teeth and gums are healthy in color and texture. If you have healthy gums, they are pink in color. They are firm to the touch. They do not bleed. They are not dark, bright or red in color. They are also not swollen.

Healthy teeth are white. They do not have a film upon the surface. There is neither plaque nor tartar build-up on the surface. Healthy teeth are strong and firm in place. They do not wiggle. They do not fall out.

In mouth and jaw, healthy tooth and gums allow you to eat easily. You do not have any pain in the gums, teeth or jaw.

What Are Red Gums?
Red gums are dark or bright red in color. They might bleed after brushing. They are sore or tender to the touch. Red gums are a symptom of a serious dental problem. This is gum disease.

Gum disease occurs when you do not take proper care of your teeth and gums. Excess food particles stay in mouth cavities among teeth and gums. The bacteria build up. It assaults the tissue and bones of the gums and teeth. As a result, the teeth loosen. The process of bacterial growth also erodes the gum line.

Bacteria transform first into plaque around teeth and gums. This sticky white substance thickly covers the teeth. Treatment no longer becomes a simple matter if the problem progresses from the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) into periodontitis. Plaque hardens into tartar. Teeth become loose and even fall out. Bad breath intensifies and is a constant. A simple remedy is not at hand for this latter phase of gum disease.

What Can You Do?
While you cannot do much to repair the damage of periodontitis, you can treat and even prevent it. You can even reduce the damage of early gum disease. It all begins with a trip to the dentist. He or she will clarify the problem. Whether it is serious or minor, your dentist will encourage you to apply the most effective means to get rid of the cause of the problem. This is a proper and regular system of oral hygiene.

Such a system consists of daily doing the following:

• Brush your teeth after every meal. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Select either a natural toothpaste, baking soda or a commercial name brand
• Floss daily, after every meal and before bed to remove food particles caught in the teeth
• Rinse daily. Be careful of your selection in mouth wash. A non-alcoholic-based product is best. Alcohol works effectively but repeated use results in dry mouth. Dry mouth, in turn, encourages the growth of bacteria
• Visit your dentist annually for a check-up and twice a year for a cleaning

Conclusion
Red gums are not a fashion statement you want to make. Red gums are a symptom of the beginning of gum disease. If you wish to avoid treatment, you need to implement a good program of oral hygiene. Pick up that toothbrush and start brushing daily.