Swollen gums are a very common problem. They are a primary symptom of gingivitis, which is the most common dental problem among adults.

Gingivitis occurs from an overgrowth of bacteria. This bacteria forms plaque, which irritates the gums, causes them to swell, and often to bleed. When gingivitis is left untreated, it leads to periodontal disease, which causes receding gums, and often tooth loss in older adults.

Though gingivitis is common, it is also easily treated. Improving your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing regularly, along with rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash can help get the bacteria that cause gingivitis under control. Regular professional cleanings help, too, because they remove plaque that has already hardened on the teeth.

But, while gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums, it is not the only cause. Allergic reactions can cause gums to swell, too.

Most allergic reactions in the mouth are reactions to dental care products. Toothpaste is the most likely culprit, because it contains ammonium laurel sulfate. Ammonium laurel sulfate is a detergent, and is an allergen to many people. It is found in most commercial toothpastes. It is not a necessary ingredient, and is only included to help the toothpaste foam.

If you suspect that your swollen gums may be caused by an allergic reaction to toothpaste, there is an easy solution. Try switching to an all natural mint oil based product like Ora MD for brushing and for use as a mouthwash.

Ora MD is completely all natural. It contains no artificial ingredients or additives like detergent. And, since mint oil is one of the most powerful anti-bacterial agents around, it does a great job of ridding your mouth of the bacteria that causes so many dental problems. It can even be diluted in water and used as a mouthwash, too.

Natural oral care products like OraMD are a great choice for people with sensitive mouths. There’s no reason to suffer from an allergy to commercial toothpaste when you can find all natural products like OraMD that can clean your mouth just as effectively without all the artificial ingredients.

And, if your swollen gums are caused by gingivitis, it’s still a good idea to choose natural mint oil based products for your dental care. These products are highly effective at killing bacteria, giving you fresh breath and leaving your mouth feeling great. Can’t we all benefit from a more natural solution to dental care?