Noticing swollen gums can be a little alarming. But, if you’re noticing them for the first time, you may be tempted to ignore them and hope they go away on their own.

In most cases, swollen gums are not serious. However, they also do not usually go away on their own, either. It’s important to make a determination as to why your gums are swollen, and take steps to alleviate the problem.

If your gums are swollen, but you are not experiencing pain, they are likely caused by gingivitis. This is a very common dental problem, and one that can usually be solved with some work and good dental hygiene problems. Here’s how you can work to alleviate gingivitis and the swollen gums that go along with it.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
2. Floss at least once a day.
3. Rinse once or twice a day with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
4. Visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and checkup.

These simple steps can usually improve the health of your mouth significantly. The reason is that these steps will help eliminate plaque and bacteria from your mouth

Regular dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque that has hardened on your teeth. It is this plaque that causes gingivitis and the swollen gums, bleeding gums and bad breath that accompany it. However, regular daily dental care keeps your mouth free of bacteria. This is a critical part of the process because it is the bacteria that cause plaque to form. So, ridding your mouth of bacteria minimizes the formation of the plaque. When those steps are followed by regular cleanings from the dentist, you’re assured that the plaque that has formed is removed.

If your swollen gums are accompanied by soreness and pain that is widespread, see your dentist. It is critical to have the cause of the pain and swelling diagnosed, so that it can be effectively treated.

Sometimes swollen gums are also caused by debris or food that is lodged below the gum line or between the teeth. If you notice swelling in only one spot, and if the same area is sore; this may be your problem. Removing the food and rinsing well with salt water or hydrogen peroxide may be all that’s required to alleviate the swelling and soreness.

Don’t ignore those swollen gums. It’s not likely that they will go away on their own. However, swollen gums are usually easy to treat with a little time and effort.