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Red saliva can be caused by bleeding gums due to gingivitis or pregnancy, or by red dyes in food. It should not be confused with red sputum, which can indicate internal bleeding. Any changes in saliva should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist.
The salivary glands produce both stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow. Saliva is needed to maintain oral health and also aids in the early stages of the digestion process by helping to moisten food for chewing and swallowing. Abnormal saliva is usually related to the flow or texture of the saliva rather than the color. However, if red saliva is present, the most likely cause is bleeding gums.
Inflamed gums due to gingivitis tend to bleed even in response to light or light brushing. Vigorous brushing and flossing can increase bleeding. When blood from the gums mixes with saliva, the saliva will appear red. It’s also possible for your gums to become tender and bleed during pregnancy, which can also result in red saliva right after you brush or floss. Red, swollen or painful gums should be evaluated by a dentist who will recommend preventative measures and treatments.
Another possible cause could be food-related. Some red dyes, especially those found in sugary foods like candy, frosting, and sugary drinks, can coat your teeth, gums, and tongue and mix with your saliva, which creates the appearance of red saliva. While this cause should be obvious and nothing to worry about, some red dyes can stain teeth and should be brushed off as soon as possible. Proper brushing after consuming red dyes should eliminate the appearance of red saliva.
Red saliva should not be confused with red sputum, which is mucus produced in the airways. Red sputum is an indicator of internal bleeding, which can be caused by irritation of tissue in the lungs or airways. Red sputum can signal a variety of medical conditions or illnesses, some of which can be serious. This symptom should be evaluated by a doctor.
Normal saliva is clear, although occasionally it may appear velvety or milky. Any change in saliva production or appearance can be considered a secondary symptom or side effect. For example, a reduction in saliva production is commonly referred to as “dry mouth” or “cotton mouth” and is a common side effect of many different types of medications. An increase in saliva production is sometimes evident during pregnancy.
While red saliva typically has a simple explanation and is rarely a cause for alarm, any concerns about the production, texture, or color of saliva should be addressed by a doctor or dentist, depending on the specific issue.
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