Have you ever woken up, and looked into your mouth in the mirror and seen red and swollen gums?
I have done this, and when I got the hull of the popcorn out that had gotten lodged down in my gums, the problem went away.
But for many people it isn’t a harmless hull of popcorn causing their swollen and red gums. There are actually several possible reasons that your gums might be red and swollen, and we will explore all of them in this article. Once you understand the reason for your reddened gums it will be simple to take steps to get back to a healthy pink state again.
Common Causes of Red Gums
Among the several causes of red gums, including rare causes, early-stage gum disease (called gingivitis) sticks out as the most common explanation. Plaque can accumulate along the gum line if you don’t brush it away. The plaque can harden and form tartar, which generally needs to be scraped away by a dental hygienist.
Here is how gum disease happens:
- You don’t consistently brush and floss along the gum line of your teeth;
- Tartar is left on the gum line, you end up with bacteria buildup around the teeth;
- A war breaks out between your immune system and the bacteria in this biofilm;
- A little crater, called a gingival pocket, forms around your teeth;
- The teeth begin to pull away from the gums;
- The gums recede from the teeth;
- Your teeth get loose if the war isn’t won by your immune system;
- You get severe periodontitis;
- Your teeth fall out.
Let’s not go there.
So, you should be thankful for the red swollen gums. Why? Because they are a warning sign that something isn’t right and needs your attention, just like any red, swollen, tender spot on your body. It is a sign of inflammation that needs attention. So, give it the attention it deserves.
Did You Forget to Brush and Floss?
So, your red, swollen gums might be a sign that you haven’t been brushing and flossing as much or as well as you need to. So, if you have been slacking, now is the time to get into a better routine of brushing after every meal, or at least 2 times a day, and flossing every day. This simple habit is key to pink gums.
Nutrient Deficiencies that Contribute to Red and Swollen Gums
If your gums bleed easily and are inflamed and red, that may indicate that you need more antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants come from whole plant foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Eating a large amount of vegetables, like 6 to 10 servings a day, will help your whole body be healthy, including your mouth.
In addition, you would be wise to include at least 3 grams of vitamin C a day. Vitamin C is essential to building collagen, a scaffolding protein that helps hold the body together. Vitamin C is very important for the integrity of capillaries, arteries, and veins. If you bruise easily or your gums easily bleed it is a sign that you need more vitamin C. A combination of large amounts of vegetables and supplemental vitamin C will do the trick.
Allergies and Red and Swollen Gums
Red gums can be attributed to allergic reactions to foods, dental products you apply, or dental appliances in your mouth. Nickel causes allergic reactions in many people and orthodontists have moved away from appliances that contain nickel. But if you have a dental appliance with nickel in it, you should check with your dentist for an alternative material.
Medications and Red and Swollen Gums
Phenytoin (to control epileptic seizures), cyclosporine (an immune suppressant drug), and calcium channel blockers (to help lower high blood pressure) are drugs whose side effects can lead to red, sore gums via overgrowth of the gums. One review estimated that 40 to 50 percent of people taking these drugs experience some degree of gingival overgrowth. If you are taking any of these medications, or similar ones, you may need to be extra careful with your oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and the bacteria at bay. It is possible that a different medication, or perhaps a change in diet and lifestyle would lessen your dependence on medications as well. Also, over 400 medications are associated with a reduced flow of saliva, which protects your teeth from bacterial infections, so you should be watchful if you take medications at all.
Also, over 400 medications are associated with a reduced flow of saliva, which protects your teeth from bacterial infections, so you should be watchful if you take medications at all.
A New Tool to Help You Get a Beautiful Smile
So, you’ve noticed the red, swollen gums and the bleeding. You’ve upped your oral hygiene routine by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Using a flosser rather than a long string of dental floss may really help you with this one.
There is one more self-care tip you should try before running to the dentist. Using a tooth oil made of essential oils can really help reduce the population of bad bacteria associated with periodontal disease and encourage the growth of protective bacteria. The essential oils tend to reduce inflammation as well, getting you back to your pink gums faster. Ora-Shield is one such 100 percent organic tooth oil, and is an excellent choice.
When to Go See the Dentist
If you have tartar buildup that needs to be scraped away, it is time to see the dentist. The dental hygienist can get your pearly whites into great shape so that it is easier to maintain their cleanliness.
Conclusion: Now You Know How to Have Healthy Gums for a Beautiful Smile
So, now you know why you have red and swollen gums. An article like this can point out possible causes and solutions, but you have to apply the principles to your individual case. So, get busy and take action.
A beautiful smile is more than just clean teeth. You need to care for your gums as well. Gingivitis and periodontitis are just as much a problem for adults as dental cavities, maybe more so. Brushing, flossing, using a high-quality organic tooth oil, eating a lot more vegetables, taking supplemental vitamin C, checking for allergies, and monitoring drugs for side effects may be steps you need to take to have a really great, healthy smile. And don’t be afraid of your dentist. The dental team is on your side, and if you do your part, their part is super simple and relatively inexpensive, and everyone is happy.
