Gums are dark red

Bleeding, puffiness, tenderness, bad breath, pus, or a change confined to one area makes a dental examination more important than judging color alone.

Healthy gingiva commonly ranges from pink to brown depending on melanin and individual pigmentation. Inflammation increases blood flow and can make the tissue look red, dark red, swollen, or shiny.

A clinician also checks for burns, brushing trauma, tobacco-related changes, medication effects, a bleeding disorder, and a persistent patch that is not explained by inflammation.

Continue gentle brushing with a soft brush and clean between the teeth without scrubbing the gum. Photograph the area in consistent light and note bleeding, pain, swelling, or recent changes.

Avoid tobacco and do not apply bleaching agents, antiseptics, or household chemicals to the gum. A dental professional should identify an unexplained color change before treatment is attempted.

Book an examination if the color change persists, spreads, bleeds, forms an ulcer, becomes painful, or appears as a distinct patch. The dentist may inspect the tissue, measure the gums, review medicines, and arrange further assessment if needed.

Urgent care is appropriate for rapid swelling, heavy bleeding, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether the color fits plaque-related gingivitis, trauma, normal pigmentation, or another lesion, and whether the change needs photographs, testing, or referral.

Ask how to clean the area without causing injury and what specific changes should prompt an earlier review.