When you first notice swollen gums, you may rush to determine what might have caused such an unsightly problem. You may even wonder if you caused the swelling by aggressive brushing.

In most cases, brushing too hard is not the cause of your swollen gums. However, it’s important to note that it is not necessary to brush your teeth aggressively to get them clean.

If you’ve noticed that your gums are also bleeding when you brush, that may lead you to believe that you are brushing too hard. It’s more likely that both the bleeding and the swelling in your gums is caused by gingivitis. Gingivitis can also cause bad breath, and leads to periodontal disease if left untreated.

Gingivitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. When we fail to properly and regularly remove the bacteria that form in our mouths, it leads to plaque on the teeth. This plaque causes gingivitis and leads to symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums. So, the bleeding you experience when brushing your teeth is not because you’re brushing too hard, but because the gingivitis has made your gums swell and become more sensitive.

So, treating those swollen gums requires stepping up your oral hygiene routine so that you’re doing a better job of removing bacteria. Brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once. Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria that grows where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach.

If you haven’t had a professional dental cleaning in the last six months, you should schedule that, as well. Professional cleanings remove plaque that has already hardened on the teeth, and can relieve gingivitis.

If you keep up with your oral hygiene routine, you should see your swollen gums disappear over time. This is a good indication that you have gained control over your gingivitis. Continuing with this routine should prevent further problems.

While treating your swollen gums, it is a good idea not to brush too aggressively, as you may aggravate the swelling and bleeding. You can switch to a softer bristled brush as well.

Switching to all natural mint oil based dental care products can help, too. Some people find that their gums swell due to an allergic reaction to the detergents found in traditional toothpaste. Mint oil dental care products are a great choice, because they remove bacteria just as well as commercial products, but they have no side effects because they have no artificial ingredients. They make your mouth feel great without worry that they might aggravate your swollen gums like commercial toothpaste.