Deep red gums

Deep-red gums usually reflect inflammation from plaque, but trauma, infection, or another condition can also change gum colour.

Plaque bacteria irritate the gingival margin, widening small blood vessels and making the tissue red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Local trauma from vigorous brushing, tobacco exposure, hormonal change, or a dental abscess can create a different pattern.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush angled toward the gumline and clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush. A dental professional can remove hardened calculus and check pockets, fillings, crowns, and the teeth beneath the red area.

Arrange a dental examination if the colour change persists, bleeds easily, or comes with gum recession, bad taste, tenderness, or loose teeth. Urgent care is appropriate for fever, pus, severe pain, or swelling spreading into the face.

Ask whether the redness is limited to the gingival margin or extends around a tooth, and whether measurements or radiographs show bone loss. Ask which cleaning method suits your gum spaces and whether a medicine or medical condition could be contributing.