If your oral health is sound, you may seldom give any thought to your gums. However, if they ever start to hurt or you are diagnosed with gum disease, they can become a major point for concern. You might even end up developing periodontal pockets. What are periodontal pockets, and is there any way to get rid of them? This blog post provides important information.
What Are Periodontal Pockets?
Healthy gums are snug against the teeth. However, that is not always the case in individuals with gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissue. It starts when bacteria cause the formation of plaque, a sticky biofilm. Eventually, plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which in turn causes swelling and inflammation. As time passes, the infection can worsen to the point where the gums start to pull away from the teeth and pockets form.
Without proper treatment, periodontal pockets worsen over time. Regular flossing and brushing may not be able to clean out the bacteria that collect in them. Even more concerning is the fact that as the gums pull away from the teeth, the underlying bone structure may also deteriorate. As a result, the teeth can loosen. In fact, advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.
What Can You Do About Periodontal Pockets?
If you ever detect signs or symptoms of gum disease, such as swelling or redness in your gums, you should request an appointment with your dentist right away. This is particularly urgent if you observe that your gums are starting to separate from your teeth.
During your appointment, your dentist might advise you to undergo a procedure known as scaling and root planing, which is basically a deep cleaning of the mouth. Your care team will carefully remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from both above and below your gumline. Afterward, your gums may be able to heal and reattach to your teeth.
Of course, depending on the severity of your gum infection, other treatments might be more suitable. Some people need antibiotic therapy or even surgical intervention.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Periodontal Pockets?
Most people can greatly reduce their risk of periodontal pockets by taking a few simple steps. You should:
- Adhere to a thorough oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.
- Be gentle when cleaning your teeth.
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
- Avoid overindulgence in alcohol.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
Periodontal pockets can spell trouble for your oral health! Do everything you can to prevent or reverse this concerning issue.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Julington Creek Family Dental offers a wide variety of oral health services, including scaling and root planing, as well as thorough preventive care. If you have concerns about gum disease or periodontal pockets, he and our team would be happy to help you get your smile’s wellness back on track. Contact our St. Johns office at 904-230-2961.