Red gum between teeth
Red tissue between teeth is often an inflamed interdental papilla caused by plaque, trapped food, trauma, or a nearby dental problem.
The short answer
Red tissue between teeth is often an inflamed interdental papilla caused by plaque, trapped food, trauma, or a nearby dental problem. It can bleed with brushing or flossing, but persistent redness needs an examination to check the tooth contacts, gums, and bone support.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The interdental papilla is the small triangular gum area beneath the contact point of two teeth. Irritation may follow forceful flossing, a sharp food fragment, a rough filling, decay between teeth, or plaque that has remained at the gum margin.
What can you do next?
Clean the contact gently with floss or an appropriate interdental brush and brush the gumline without scrubbing. Do not cut, squeeze, or burn the red tissue, and arrange care if the colour, bleeding, swelling, or tenderness continues.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist for a lump, ulcer, pus, persistent bleeding, tooth sensitivity, pain on biting, or a red area that does not improve. The examination can include probing, checking a filling or contact, and an X-ray when decay or bone changes are suspected.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the papilla is inflamed from plaque, trauma, a cavity, a rough restoration, or periodontal disease. Ask which interdental cleaner fits the space and whether the adjacent teeth or gum attachment need treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the gum between my teeth bleed?
Inflamed gum tissue can bleed when plaque is present or when cleaning is forceful; repeated bleeding should be assessed.
Can a filling cause a red gum between teeth?
Yes. A rough or overhanging filling can trap plaque or press on the papilla and may need adjustment or replacement.