Healthy gums are a coral pink in color. Discolored or red gums are an indication that your gums are either distressed or inflamed and could result in gum disease.
One of the leading causes of tooth decay and tooth loss is gum and periodontal disease. It can also lead to bad breath and bleeding gums and of course affect your smile. Evidence shows that gum disease and other health issues like heart disease and diabetes are connected. Red irritated gums can be caused due to poor dental hygiene, poor brushing techniques, or improper brushing habits like not brushing the teeth after consumption of sweet or acidic foods.
When proper dental hygiene is not maintained, plaque is formed from the bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria inflames the gums making it red, swollen and sometimes even causing it to bleed. Gingivitis is a mild gum disease and is not necessarily painful in its early stages. If taken care of at the right time, it can be healed. But if not, then it could lead to periodontitis, a condition where both your gums, teeth and the bones can be at a big risk.
The bacteria collected on the teeth releases toxicities that cause harm to your gums. Another common cause of red irritated gums can be due to pregnancy, puberty, menstruation or menopause. Hormonal increase heightens blood flow into the gums causing them to become swollen, irritated and red. Women during pregnancy also show signs of inflamed gums, in the second or the third month continuing all through the eighth month.
Home Remedies To Soothe Irritated And Inflamed Gums
Here are some remedies to soothe irritated gums are-
- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly as often as you can, especially before bedtime and after meals.
- A salt water or baking soda rinse is also recommended. You can make this rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt or baking soda in one cup of water.
- A rinse with three percent hydrogen peroxide is also good for red and irritated gums as it helps in killing bacteria.
- Avoiding smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages.
- Eating foods high in vitamin D and C, like dairy products and fruits like lemons, oranges, mangoes and kiwis and avoiding hot, spicy and high in sugar foods.
It is important to visit a dentist regularly to get your teeth cleaned professionally and to have plaque removed. Your dental hygienist may recommend frequent dental examinations and teeth cleaning sessions.