Usually, we all love pockets. They’re great for holding convenient snacks, small fidget toys, or the One Ring from The Lord of The Rings. But there’s one type of pocket that even Sauron wouldn’t want: a periodontal pocket. What is a periodontal pocket, and why is it such a big deal? Keep reading to learn more and find out how you can treat it.
What is a Periodontal Pocket?
Normally, your gums house the roots of your teeth, along with any other tissue or ligaments that help keep them in place. That’s right – that pink stuff isn’t soft tissue all the way through. In a healthy mouth, gums form an air-tight seal around teeth.
When a mouth is attacked by periodontitis – a.k.a. gum disease – your pink, sticky friend starts to recede and pull away from your teeth. If this happens closer to the root of your tooth, it leaves behind a small bubble. This is a periodontal pocket.
Why Should I be Concerned About Periodontal Pockets?
A periodontal pocket leaves you vulnerable to plaque and tartar. Chances are, if you have these air bubbles, your gums have already been under siege for some time. Harmful bacteria have likely been waiting at the edge of your gumline, waiting for an opportunity. They’ll dig deeper, eventually breaking through a periodontal pocket to damage your connective tissues and dental root. If left untreated, the ultimate result is tooth loss.
Sounds Bad – How do I Get Rid of Periodontal Pockets and Gum Disease?
Fortunately, there are ways to treat these pesky conditions. However, you should know that the deeper gum disease seeps into your tissue, the harder it is to clear out. The advanced stages of gum disease can’t be cured, which is why it’s essential to deal with it sooner rather than later.
Your dentist can work their professional magic to remove gum disease with a deep cleaning – sometimes called a scaling and root planing. Once the invading plaque and tartar are removed, your gums will feel safe enough to start to seal around your tooth again. To help them recover, your dentist might prescribe antibodies or recommend a special mouth rinse.
If the damage is more extensive or you have deep periodontal pockets, your dentist might have to use other methods, such as grafting. Either way, they won’t leave your call for aid unanswered. They’ll talk with you about your next steps so you can get your oral health back on track!
What’s the Best Way to Handle Periodontal Problems?
Whether you’re wanting to remove or prevent periodontal pockets and gum disease from forming, it’s important to follow professional advice. Listen to your dentist’s oral hygiene recommendations. Seeing them biannually for cleanings and following the “brush twice a day, floss once a day” rule will help stop harmful bacteria from forming in the first place.
It’s also crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gum disease. The sooner you catch it, the more likely it is that you’ll only need a deep cleaning. Your dentist can also keep an eye out for these signs, so it’s worth saying again: visit your dentist regularly for checkups!
About the Author
Dr. Julie Young practices at Corte Madera Dentist in Corte Madera. She prioritizes quality treatment and patient care, meaning that she’ll empower you to maintain your oral health and keep periodontal pockets out of your mouth. If you’re concerned about your gums, call her office at 415-924-5300 or explore her website. She’ll be happy to help!
