If you have a healthy mouth, you may seldom give any thought to your gums. They are simply the frame that protects the base of your teeth. If you develop gum disease, though, you may start to have concerns about periodontal pockets. What are periodontal pockets, and what can you do about them? Read this blog post to discover valuable information.
What Are Periodontal Pockets?
Healthy gums should be firmly attached to the teeth. Sadly, though, that can change due to gum disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue. It starts when bacteria accumulate on the teeth and form plaque. Eventually, plaque hardens into tartar, a biofilm that can cause swelling and inflammation within the gum tissue. In turn, that swelling and inflammation can cause the gums to gradually pull away from the teeth, causing pockets to form.
Without proper treatment, periodontal pockets can deepen over time; normal brushing and flossing may not be able to get rid of the bacteria that collect inside them. Even more troubling is the fact that as the gums separate from the teeth, bone loss in the jaw is also likely to occur. Eventually, the teeth can loosen or even fall out altogether. In fact, advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States.
What Can You Do About Periodontal Pockets?
If you ever notice any signs of gum disease, such as swelling or redness in your gums, you should visit a periodontist (a dentist who specializes in gum health). Seeking care is even more urgent if you observe that your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth.
You may need to undergo a procedure called scaling and root planing, which basically amounts to a deep cleaning of the mouth. Your periodontal team will remove plaque and bacteria from above and below your gumline. With the bacteria gone, your gums will have the opportunity to heal and reattach to your teeth.
Of course, depending on the details of your case, other treatments might be called for. You may need a course of antibiotics. In severe instances, surgery might be necessary.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Periodontal Pockets?
In most cases, it is possible to stop periodontal pockets from forming. You should:
- Adhere to an excellent oral hygiene routine. Be sure to clean the area along your gumline.
- Be gentle when you are brushing and flossing.
- Do not chew tobacco, smoke cigarettes, or overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
- Consume a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
- Visit your general dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
Periodontal pockets are bad news! Do your best to address this issue so you can achieve a healthy smile.
Meet the Practice
The Cranford Center for Periodontics and Dental Implants features three highly skilled periodontists; they have decades of combined experience! They offer a variety of treatments to help our patients find freedom from periodontal pockets and other consequences of gum disease. To learn more about us and our services, contact us at 908-709-6777.