How Did I Get Red Gums?

You may not have noticed any problems with your gums until you brushed this morning and spit blood into your bathroom sink.  Opening wide you look more closely at your gums than you have in a long time and not only are they bleeding but they are also red and swollen in a few places.  What happened? How did this happen?   Gum infections can cause redness, swelling and even bleeding of the gums and will often have no pain at all so it is easy for an early infection to go unnoticed until it is advanced.

Red gums along with the other symptoms of a gum infection occur due to bacteria.  The environment of the mouth is an ideal place for bacteria to grow and thrive.  The dark, moist environment of the mouth along with the abundant food supply makes it an ideal place for bacteria to feed and growl.  As bacteria reproduce they release sulfur compounds.  These compounds are often responsible for not only red gums but other symptoms like bad breath.  The compounds are very irritating to the tender tissues of the mouth and will result in red gums.

If your red gums are associated with swelling or bleeding it is especially important to see your dentist for an evaluation and take steps to change your oral care products to natural alternatives to help remove bacteria naturally.  For some people, red gums can be caused by irritation from harsh chemicals in your current toothpaste.  Choosing natural oral care products with peppermint or spearmint oils can help kill bacteria and prevent future growth.

Regular check-ups with a dental professional are key to finding problems early and finding a proper treatment plan to prevent future problems.  If you care for your teeth today they may last you your lifetime.

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