Many people experience gum redness at some point in their lives, but this doesn’t always mean you have gum disease. There can be several reasons why your gums may appear red, so it’s important to understand the potential causes.
Almost half of adults ages 30 and older have signs of gum disease. When people have pericoronitis, dentists may flush salt water under the flap of gum to rinse out the debris and bacteria. Sometimes, people are instructed to rinse at home with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, or the antiseptic chlorhexidine. Sometimes dentists remove the lower tooth immediately.
Possible Causes of Gum Redness
The cause of swollen gums may be simple, such as getting food particles stuck in the teeth. For moderate to severe pain, combining an NSAID and Tylenol (acetaminophen) has been found to be just as effective as taking medications containing opioids. Topical treatments like numbing gels can be applied directly to your gums.
One common cause of gum redness is poor oral hygiene. If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, plaque can build up along the gum line, leading to inflammation and redness. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or puberty, can also cause gum redness due to increased blood flow to the gums.
Though swollen gums often occur due to gingivitis, many other factors can contribute, including pregnancy, malnutrition, or certain types of infections. Underlying conditions may lead to serious complications. Complications of gum disease include loose teeth, gum abscesses, and losing teeth. A saltwater rinse is an easy and effective way to ease dental pain. It can even help keep bacteria and plaque in check, which could lower your risk of gum disease.
Another reason for gum redness could be aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. This can irritate the gums and cause them to become red and inflamed. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or antihypertensives, can also lead to gum redness as a side effect.
To remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can build up on your teeth, your dentist may suggest that you have your teeth scaled and polished. This is a ‘professional clean’ usually carried out at your dental surgery by a dental hygienist. If gingivitis is untreated, the tissues and bone that support the teeth can also become affected. This is known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease. If you have severe gum disease, you’ll usually need to have further medical and dental treatment and, in some cases, surgery may need to be carried out. This will usually be performed by a specialist in gum problems (periodontics).
Treatment for Gum Redness
If you’re experiencing gum redness, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene habits. Make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause inflammation. Consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and being gentle when brushing to avoid further irritation.
If your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding, there’s a chance that you have gum disease (periodontal disease). Typically, this is a result of not flossing and brushing your teeth well or often enough. Bacteria cling to plaque and tartar on your teeth surfaces.
If the redness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, pain, or swelling, it’s crucial to see your dentist. They can determine if there is an underlying issue causing the gum redness and provide appropriate treatment.
