Are My Swollen Gums a Sign of Something Serious?

When you start to notice red and swollen gums, it can be quite alarming, especially if your gums are bleeding as well. The good news is that, in most cases, your swollen gums can be eliminated with some effort and care on your part.

Swollen gums, in most cases, are one of the symptoms of gingivitis. Gingivitis, a very common problem, can mean serious trouble if left untreated. But, if you get a handle on the swollen gums right away, you can not only ease the discomfort, but you can prevent further problems down the road.

If your swollen gums are the result of gingivitis, improving your oral hygiene routine can help reduce the swelling. Gingivitis is caused by plaque on the teeth. This plaque forms as a result of not getting all the bacteria out of the mouth on a regular basis. A professional cleaning from the dentist can remove the already hardened plaque, and better at home care can prevent the buildup of new plaque.

Be sure that you’re brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. You should brush at least twice daily, and floss at least once. Rinsing several times a day with an anti-bacterial rinse is also a good idea, since rinsing gets below the gum line, where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Rinsing during the middle of the day, when you do not routinely brush your teeth is a great way to help fight bacteria all day long.

If improving your oral hygiene routine and having a professional cleaning don’t improve your swollen gums, there could be other reasons why you are experiencing swelling. There are some medications that can cause swollen gums, for example. Be sure to check any new medications to see if swollen gums are an expected side effect.

If you have recently gotten new dentures, these can also cause gums to swell, if the dentures don’t fit properly. In this case, your gums may also be sore. You should see your dentist to help improve the fit of your dentures.

While getting rid of swollen gums is usually fairly simple, it is important that you don’t ignore the problem. Swollen gums are a good indication that you have gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated, it will eventually turn into full blown periodontal disease, which can be far more serious. Periodontal disease can cause gums to recede away from the teeth, which eventually leads to losing the teeth in many cases.

It’s important to work with your dentist to determine the cause of your swollen gums. It’s likely that the cause is not serious, but it still needs to be taken seriously to avoid future problems.