If you’ve recently noticed that your gums are swelling, it’s time to take action. Swollen gums may seem like a minor issue, but it can actually be a sign of a major problem: gum disease. If caught early, swollen gums can be easily treated and prevented from developing into gum disease. But first, it’s important to determine what is causing the swelling.

Two Possible Reasons You Have Swollen Gums

Reason #1: Food

If the swelling is localized, it’s likely that some food is lodged between teeth or under the gum line. This area may have begun to get infected, which is why the gum around the tooth is swollen. In this case, this area is likely sore, too.

To treat swollen gums caused by lodged food and infection, you must first remove the food. Locate it and remove with your toothbrush or floss. Then rinse your mouth several times a day with either salt water or hydrogen peroxide. Both can help reduce the soreness and heal the infection. If the infection continues to get worse, see your dentist.

Reason #2: Gingivitis caused by bacteria

If your swollen gums are more widespread and are not painful, they are most likely the result of gingivitis, which leads to gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your mouth. When you conquer the gingivitis and bad bacteria, you’ll get rid of the swollen gums.

Gingivitis is the result of plaque buildup in the mouth. Plaque is formed from bacteria that have not been properly removed during your regular oral hygiene routine. To get gingivitis under control, see your dentist for a professional cleaning if you have not done so in the last six months. Professional cleanings can remove hardened plaque from your teeth.

Get Rid of Swollen Gums Once and For All

The next step is to prevent the plaque from forming again. This requires good daily dental hygiene Follow the simple steps below to keep the bad bacteria at bay, and thus prevent swollen gums from happening again.

With some diligence, you should be able to rid your mouth of the gingivitis that is causing your swollen gums before it turns into more serious gum disease and periodontal disease. While swollen gums may be nothing more than a bother, periodontal disease can cause infections, receding gums and lost teeth. Periodontal disease has also been linked with heart disease.

So, get to the bottom of those swollen gums right away. In most cases, with a little diligence they are easy to cure. But, if you take the steps listed above and have no success, it is possible that your swollen gums are a side effect of medication or have some other cause. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you’re unable to relieve those swollen gums on your own.