What are the Signs You Have Gum Disease?

Do you know what’s scary about gum disease? It happens quietly and painlessly. You won’t know you have it until you start feeling pain and seeing blood in your gums. However, if you visit your Port St. Lucie family dentist regularly, you’ll be informed about the condition of your gums before they worsen.

During these visits, your dentist will provide preventive dental care treatments to ensure that your gums stay healthy. Unfortunately, many Americans fail to visit their dentist twice a year. Hence, they become susceptible to gum disease or periodontal disease.  

How to Know If You Have Gum Disease

What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Everyone develops plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that accumulates on your teeth every day from the food and drinks you consume. When plaque stays on your teeth for a long period, it will harden and calcify and ultimately turn into tartar. When tartar develops along your gum line, it will cause your gums to deteriorate and inflame.

It’s important to remove plaque before it calcifies. Two ways of preventing plaque from building up are through regular brushing and flossing. You should also avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as this can speed up the deterioration.

How Can You Tell if You Have Gum Disease

How will you know if you have gum disease? Usually, your dentist will be the one to inform you about it after a dental exam. Some of the signs of gum disease you need to be aware of include tender, red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, changes in your bite, and shifting teeth.

Are You Looking for a Port St. Lucie Family Dentist?

Partnering with a reliable family dentist will help stop gum disease from advancing. At Ricard Family Dentistry, we offer personalized dental treatment plans to help restore your oral health. Our amazing team has the skills and knowledge to perform various types of procedures. Call us today to learn more about our services.