Red gums are a common sign of inflammation in the gum tissue. This change in color from a healthy pink indicates the body is responding to an irritant and should not be disregarded. Recognizing this signal is the first step toward addressing potential oral health concerns.
Primary Causes of Red Gums
The most frequent cause of red gums is the accumulation of plaque along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed, this bacterial buildup irritates the gum tissue, and the body’s immune system sends increased blood flow to the area to fight the bacteria, causing the visible change in color.
Other factors can contribute to red gums. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation. Smoking can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight gum-related infections, and a diet lacking sufficient Vitamin C can impair gum health.
Certain medications, such as some used to control blood pressure or prevent seizures, can affect gum tissue. Ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures or braces may also cause localized irritation. These factors can either directly cause inflammation or make the gums more vulnerable to the effects of plaque.
Related Gum Health Conditions
Red gums are a primary symptom of gingivitis, the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. This condition is characterized by swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and consistent at-home oral hygiene because the infection has not yet affected the bone holding teeth in place.
If untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease. This occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line and hardens into tartar, a deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional. The body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria then begins to break down the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth.
In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss, as the damage caused by periodontitis is not reversible.
Improving Gum Health at Home
Effective home care focuses on consistently removing the plaque that causes gum inflammation. Proper brushing technique requires using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to enamel and gum tissue. The brush should be angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline, cleaning for a full two minutes, twice each day.
Flossing is another practice for removing plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach, such as between teeth and beneath the gumline. A strand of floss should be curved into a C-shape against each tooth and guided up and down. Using a fresh section of floss for each tooth prevents transferring bacteria.
Antiseptic mouthwash can be a helpful supplement to a daily oral hygiene routine, as it can help reduce plaque and control early gingivitis. However, mouthwash is not a substitute for the mechanical removal of plaque achieved through brushing and flossing. It works best when used with these foundational cleaning habits.
When to Consult a Dental Professional
While home care can reverse early gum inflammation, professional evaluation is needed for some signs. If gums remain red, swollen, or bleed for more than a week despite improved hygiene, see a dentist. Persistent symptoms may suggest a more advanced issue that requires professional treatment.
A dental visit is also needed for other serious signs, including:
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
Severe pain in the gums or teeth also warrants a prompt consultation. Early detection and treatment provide the best outcome for managing gum disease. A dentist can diagnose the cause of red gums and recommend the correct treatment.