1. is there a reason you so not want to use the antibiotic?

The gums are swollen. Does that not indicate that the bacteria is *IN* the gums rather than just resting on the surface? Gargling with listerine/salt water will only get rid of whatever is on the surface.

2. you may brush everyday, but are you brushing effectively? Are you reaching all the necessary parts? Do you clean your tongue as well?

Did you remember, when you were in primary school, did a few nurse/doctor/dentist come and demonstrate? iinm, they do this at every school.

3. do you use one of those extra soft tooth brushes? I was trying to buy a "hard", and most shops only carry "soft". There were also lots of "extra soft". "medium" was very rare. I had to go to 5 different places before I found a "hard".

Might be different for each person. I don't know about you, but soft brushes just don't work for me. I brush with the soft tooth brush, check immediately after (scrape the surface of the teeth with a toothpick), and see that the food is still stuck there. Maybe the soft brushes may work, but they hav eto be change very frequently. Mine was only 2 weeks old.

4. clean your mouth after every meal, snack, and any drink that is not just plain water. If you don't brush, do wash your mouth with some plain water.