Why Are My Gums So Red?

We all want to keep our mouths healthy. So when you look in the mirror and see that your gums look red, you might be wondering if you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

Red gums are usually a sign of gum disease. That doesn’t necessarily need to be a big cause for concern just yet, but it should absolutely motivate you to be diligent about your oral hygiene. 

To help you keep your gums healthy, our team at LA Dentists Group offers gum disease treatment at our office in Glendale, California. Red gums don’t necessarily mean you need to visit us right away, though. Let’s take a look at gum disease and when you should get your dentist involved. 

Why gums turn red

The leading cause of red gums is gum disease. In fact, this is a leading cause of oral health issues in general. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. 

Clearly, this is a common problem. But that doesn’t mean it’s the same across all people. Gum disease comes in different forms. 

The earliest type of gum disease is called gingivitis. This early-stage gum disease causes red gums plus other symptoms like:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bad breath

If you catch gingivitis early, you can usually reverse it with diligent at-home oral care. Specifically, brushing and flossing daily should be enough to get your gums healthy again.

But if you don’t notice that your gums are irritated for a while — or you just don’t take steps to address the issues — gingivitis can transform into periodontitis. With this more serious form of gum disease, your gums start to separate from your teeth. This allows plaque to develop under your gum line, causing even more problems for your gums and your overall oral health. Left unchecked, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. 

Restoring your gum health

If you notice your gums are red, start by diligently brushing and flossing for a couple of weeks. If your gums don’t seem to be improving, make an appointment with our team. 

Here at LA Dentists Group, we tailor your gum care to you. Depending on the current state of your gums, we might recommend:

• Scaling and root planing 
• A gum graft
• Arestin® therapy
• Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP®) 

With these treatments, we can remove plaque under your gum line, getting rid of the bacteria that harms your gums, and helping them heal. 

Ultimately, though, the sooner you take steps to address red gums, the less likely you are to need involved treatment. If a couple of weeks of thorough brushing and flossing doesn’t return your gums to a healthy pink, don’t wait to call our office or book your appointment online.