Why Are My Gums Red and Swollen? When to Call the Dentist

You’re brushing your teeth and notice something doesn’t look right. Your gums are red, maybe even puffy or sore. They might bleed a little or a lot. If you’ve caught yourself wondering, “why are my gums red?”, you’re not alone.

Red and swollen gums are often one of the first signs that something’s off with your oral health. The good news? You caught it early. Now it’s time to figure out what’s going on and what to do next.

Whether it’s your first time seeing this or it’s been bothering you for a while, regular teeth cleaning in Calgary, AB, and good home care can make a big difference. But first, let’s understand the root causes.

Common Causes of Red and Swollen Gums

Gums turn red and puffy when they’re inflamed. Inflammation is your body’s way of responding to irritation or infection. Think of it like a warning light on your dashboard—you can ignore it, but it won’t fix itself.

Here are the most common culprits:

1. Plaque Buildup and Gingivitis

This is the #1 reason people develop red gums. Plaque is a sticky film developed by bacteria. If it’s not removed daily, it builds up along the gumline and triggers inflammation.

Gingivitis warning signs:

• Puffy, reddish gums
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Mild bad breath
• No pain in early stages (which makes it sneaky)

2. Poor Brushing or Flossing Habits

Too much pressure when brushing can irritate the gums. On the flip side, skipping floss or not brushing thoroughly gives bacteria a chance to thrive.

What to check for:

• Are you brushing twice a day for 2 full minutes?
• Are you flossing daily, gently along the gumline?
• Do your gums bleed when you floss? (That’s a sign to floss more, not less!)

3. Hormonal Changes

If you’re pregnant, going through puberty, or experiencing menopause, hormonal shifts may make your gums more sensitive and prone to swelling.

4. Vitamin Deficiency

Low levels of vitamin C or K can affect gum health. Vitamin C, in particular, helps repair tissue and fight infection. A deficiency may lead to scurvy-like symptoms, including swollen or bleeding gums.

5. Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco dries out your mouth and reduces blood flow to the gums. That makes it harder for your body to fight off infection, even if your brushing routine is solid.

6. Mouth Breathing

Believe it or not, breathing through your mouth—especially at night—can dry out and irritate gum tissue. If you wake up with dry, swollen gums, this might be why.

7. Underlying Conditions

Certain diseases, like diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect your gum tissue. These conditions lower your body’s ability to fight infection and can make mild gum irritation much worse.

Warning Signs That Require a Visit to a Dentist

Red, swollen gums might seem minor at first, but they can escalate quickly. If the irritation lingers for more than a few days or you notice new symptoms, it’s time to take it seriously.

Don’t ignore these signs:

• Gums always bleed when you brush or floss
• Persistent bad breath that won’t go away
• Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
• Pus between your teeth or at the gumline
• Loose teeth (yes, even in adults!)
• Pain when chewing or brushing

These symptoms could mean your gum issues have progressed to periodontitis—an advanced form of gum disease. At that point, it can damage the bone holding your teeth in place.

If you notice any of the above, search for a dentist near me who can do a full exam and possibly a deep cleaning. Early care can prevent long-term damage.

Easy At-Home Tips to Calm Gum Inflammation

While professional help is key, there’s plenty you can do at home to support your gums.

Try these simple steps:

• Brush gently: Utilize a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush in circles—not harsh back-and-forth strokes.
• Floss daily: Glide the floss gently between each tooth and curve it around the gumline.
• Rinse with warm salt water: This reduces inflammation and soothes irritated tissue.
• Stay hydrated: Water keeps your mouth clean and encourages saliva production, which helps control bacteria.
• Eat a gum-friendly diet: Focus on crunchy vegetables, leafy greens, and foods that are very rich in vitamin C.

Bonus: Consider using an electric toothbrush. It does the work for you and is often more effective (and gentler) than manual brushing.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

The absolute best way to keep red, swollen gums from returning? Preventive care.

That includes:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding tobacco
• Seeing your dentist every 6 months

A regular professional cleaning removes tartar buildup that brushing can’t handle. That’s why routine visits to clinics like Image Dental can help you stay ahead of problems before they become painful or expensive.

Final Words

If you’ve been asking yourself, “why are my gums red?”, the answer is likely related to inflammation caused by plaque, poor hygiene, or even stress and diet. The good news? It’s fixable—especially if you act now.

With simple habits, consistent care, and timely dental visits, your gums can heal and stay healthy. Don’t wait until the swelling turns into something worse. Whether you need a gentle cleaning or a full exam, your oral health is worth the call.