If you’re experiencing swollen gums; seeing your dentist is probably a good idea. This is especially true if your gums are extremely painful, or if you haven’t had a routine cleaning and checkup in the last six months.

Your dentist can help identify the underlying cause of your swollen gums. In many cases, a professional cleaning may even alleviate some of the swelling, since it will remove plaque that has hardened on your teeth. If you follow this cleaning up by having a diligent daily dental care routine, you can likely prevent the swelling from returning, too.

You see, most swollen gums, especially when they’re not painful, are caused by gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque forms on the teeth. This plaque is formed from bacteria that have not been properly removed during your regular oral hygiene routine. Having the dentist remove the plaque, and then working at home to prevent it from building up again is a good approach to alleviating the primary cause of swollen gums.

However, even if your swollen gums are not caused simply by gingivitis, a visit to the dentist is a good idea. The dentist can help identify what is causing the swelling, and give you a plan to treat the problem.

Other than gingivitis, the most common cause of swollen gums is lodged food. When gums are swollen because food or debris is lodged in the mouth, the swelling is usually confined to the area where the food is lodged. There is usually pain in the area as well, and there may even be infection. In most cases, removing the food and treating the infection will get rid of the swelling and the pain.

Other causes of swollen gums include a side effect from medication, periodontal disease and even pregnancy. Your dentist can help identify if one of these issues is the cause of your swelling gums and help you to treat or deal with the problem.

You should never be afraid to see your dentist whenever you have a problem with your mouth. Even if the problem turns out to be very simple, knowing exactly what is causing your problem and exactly how to treat it can be comforting.

But, along with those trips to the dentist, don’t forget to take care of your mouth at home. Good daily oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do to keep your mouth healthy. Most dental problems are caused by bacteria in the mouth. And, there’s no better way to stay ahead of the bacteria than regular oral care.