Really red gums
Very red gums commonly reflect inflammation from plaque, but irritation, infection, trauma, and systemic conditions can also change gum colour.
The short answer
Red gums are often inflamed gingiva, especially when plaque collects along the gum margin, but the exact cause requires an oral examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Inflamed gingiva may look red, swollen, shiny, or bleed with brushing. Local causes include plaque, calculus, food impaction, rough dental work, tobacco irritation, and infection; mouth breathing or hormonal changes can also affect the tissues.
What can you do next?
Brush gently twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, and do not pick at the gum line. Arrange a professional cleaning if hard deposits remain, because a toothbrush cannot remove calculus.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist soon for persistent bleeding, pus, bad taste, gum recession, loose teeth, or pain. Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing needs urgent medical attention.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the redness is gingivitis, periodontitis, an ulcer, or another lesion, and whether probing, dental images, or a cleaning is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step?
Brush gently twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, and do not pick at the gum line.
When should it be checked?
See a dentist soon for persistent bleeding, pus, bad taste, gum recession, loose teeth, or pain.