Red or Swollen Gums

If your gums are red, rather than a healthy pink, it may be an early sign of GINGIVITIS, an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is often a warning sign that you have not been practicing good oral hygiene. But you are well on your way to full blown gum disease medically knows as PERIODONTITIS if your gums are swollen, soft, and tender. The bad news is that this condition, which causes the loss of the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth in your mouth, can result in tooth loss. The good news is that with early treatment, gum disease is reversible.

Swollen gums can be a telltale sign that you are a smoker or that you have been clenching or grinding your teeth. They can also be a reaction to certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and some heart medicines.

Swollen gums can also signal diabetes. Indeed, one third of people with diabetes have severe gum disease. Interestingly, treating the gum disease may help control blood sugar levels.

Inflammed gums can also signal the bacterial infection Vincent's Stomatitis or Necrotizing Gingivitis (trench mouth). In severe cases they can damage oral bone and gum tissue.

• Gum disease (periodontitis) puts a person at increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Women who take fertility drugs for more than three months are at increased risk of developing gum disease. It is the estrogen in most of these drugs that can adversely affect gum tissue.
• The following are common signs of gum disease:
• Spaces between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Itchy mouth
• Mouth sores
• Changes in your bite or the way your dentures fit

Healthy gums are pink or coral. They should also be firm and resillient when poked. And of course, there should be no bleeding or pain