Surprisingly, other conditions besides gingivitis and periodontitis can cause gums to look red and puffy. Malnutrition, rough brushing and flossing, smoking, contraceptives, pregnancy and medical treatments like chemotherapy can cause irritation and bleeding in the gums.
Dark red gums are typically a warning sign of an underlying virus or infection. Red gums with ulcer-like sores are typically caused by bacterial infections, while red gums with small white or yellow sores are symptomatic of a virus.
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It's important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly.
Healthy gums are pink, firm, and don't hurt to touch. Having red, swollen, and tender gums is normal every once in a while, but if the symptoms persist, it may indicate a more serious issue. Let's take a look at some of the reasons your gums may hurt and how you can prevent and treat any issues.
1. Red or swollen gums. Healthy gums should be pink and firm to the touch, but in the early stages of unhealthy gums or a worse gum disease (known as gingivitis), they can become red, swollen or, even painful.
The number one cause of red, swollen gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by poor dental hygiene. When you don't brush or floss regularly, bacteria and plaque builds up around the gums. The bacteria in plaque irritates the gums, causing a puffy, red appearance.
The results showed that bleeding of the gums on gentle probing, or gingival bleeding tendency, and also bleeding in the eye, or retinal hemorrhaging, were associated with low vitamin C levels in the bloodstream.
Red Gums. If your gums darken from pink to red, that's a sign of inflammation. This discoloration usually points to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. The redness often starts in one part of your mouth.
Red, swollen, or sensitive gums are symptoms of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Hormonal fluctuations increase your risk of developing this condition. Symptoms of gum disease may include: Red, swollen, or sensitive gums.
Long-term stress is proven to weaken the immune system. This lowers your body's ability to fight infections. As a result, you have an increased risk of several dental issues, like bleeding and inflamed gums.
Unlike typical sores on your body that should be left alone to heal, red gums actually require more attention. Bleeding may occur, but once plaque is removed with brushing and flossing, red gums can resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare.
Unhealthy gums may appear bright red and swollen. They may feel extremely sensitive or tender to the touch. They may bleed everytime you brush or floss your teeth. These symptoms can indicate an unhealthy condition, like gum disease or a gum infection.
Stress increases your risk of gingivitis and gum disease.
And when you're stressed, you release a hormone called cortisol, which can deplete your immune system and allow bacteria to thrive. These bacteria then wreak havoc on your gums, causing them to become inflamed.
Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis (jin-juh-voe-sto-ma-tie-tis) is inflammation of the gums and lips caused by the herpes virus – the same virus that later causes cold sores. This inflammation damages the skin, resulting in painful ulcers in the mouth and blisters on the lips.
Whether it's from not brushing and flossing effectively — or attending to the cleaning needs of the teeth inconsistently — bacterial buildup causes gum inflammation and the resulting redness, tenderness and swelling. Unlike periodontal disease, gingivitis is reversible.
Anemia can cause your gums to be pale, which some have labeled "anemia gums." Instead of a typical, healthy pink, the gums take on a faded or whiter shade of their standard color. This paleness can also impact the tongue and mucous membranes inside your mouth.
Anxiety tongue often refers to the physical effects that anxiety may have on your tongue and mouth. These effects may include tingling, twitching, numbness, burning, or pain in your tongue or mouth. Treating anxiety may relieve your tongue symptoms.
One of the main causes of mouth sores is emotional stress. If you are stressed, anxious or upset this can trigger an outbreak. The two kinds of sores that can manifest are canker sores or cold sores.
Stress increases your risk for gum disease.
When your immune system is worn down by stress, the harmful bacteria in your mouth seize the opportunity to wreak havoc on your gums. Ultimately, this causes an infection of the gums known as gingivitis. Gingivitis, in its earliest stages, is easy to manage.
Symptoms of gum disease can affect various areas of the mouth. Gums may be red, swollen, tender, or bleeding. The gums may pull away from the teeth making them appear longer. Loose or sensitive teeth.
Moderate periodontal disease is the fourth stage of gum disease, and your gums are likely receded and sore. Teeth are more easily damaged, beginning to decay and deteriorate quickly at this point. Teeth may become loose and wiggly, and the jaw is beginning to become affected and infected, too.
Ask for an urgent dentist appointment if:
very sore and swollen gums. teeth becoming loose or falling out. ulcers or red patches in your mouth. a lump in your mouth or on your lip.
Early signs of gum disease include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums. You may see a buildup of plaque on your teeth. As the disease worsens, you may notice loose teeth and pus along your gum line.