Having gum pockets problems? It’s possible to prevent & treat it. Find out its symptoms, causes, treatments & more to get your oral health back on track.
Gum pockets are a common dental problem that many people experience, but few understand. If you’ve ever had soreness in your gums and noticed that food can get stuck between your teeth and gums, you may have experienced a gum pockets.
What are Gum Pockets?
Gum pockets are medically known as periodontal gum pockets. There are many other names for this condition, such as dental pockets, tooth/teeth pockets, etc. It occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth pulls away from the tooth, creating a pocket or gap.
This tooth pocket becomes filled with dental plaque, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause irritation or infection. The result is often swollen gums that are red, tender, and easily bleed when brushing or flossing. Unfortunately, if left untreated, this condition can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), which can be painful and increase the risk of tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Pockets?
Understanding the cause of deep pockets in gums is the first step in getting them taken care of. In most cases, periodontal gum pockets are caused by poor oral hygiene practices that lead to plaque build-up around the teeth and gums.
Plaque contains harmful bacteria which irritate and inflame the gums, making them more susceptible to infection. If left untreated, this will eventually result in deep pocketing between the teeth and gums, where bacteria can easily accumulate and cause further irritation and damage.
Sometimes genetics or certain medical conditions can also contribute to gum pockets formation.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Pockets?
The pocket between the gum and tooth doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. But if it does, it may include redness or swelling in the affected area, bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth, bad breath, or a metallic taste in your mouth.
You may also experience pain chewing food or tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it & important to seek medical advice from a dentist as soon as possible.
What are the Risk Factors for Gum Pockets?
Understanding what puts you at risk for developing periodontal gum pockets is critical for preventing them. Undoubtedly, poor dental hygiene is a sure way of inviting pockets. Apart from that, age is one of the most significant risk factors, as older people often suffer from periodontal diseases, which can lead to inflammation and tissue breakdown around teeth.
Other lifestyle choices, such as smoking and poor diet, may also increase your chances of having gum pockets issues. People with certain conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, are more likely to suffer from these issues due to weakened immune systems.
Genetics, crocked teeth, vitamin C deficiency, stress, etc., can also lead to this condition. Cancer treatments or any kind of treatment having a dry mouth as a side effect can also cause dental pockets.
How is Periodontal Gum Pocket Diagnosed?
If you think you may suffer from gum pockets, you must see your dentist immediately for a proper diagnosis. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for signs of infection, such as redness, inflammation, and soreness.
They may also use special tools such as X-rays or intraoral cameras to measure the depth of any gum pockets. If the pocket that is present is between 5 to 12 mm, there is severedamage beneath the surface that needs treatment.
How are Periodontal Gum Pockets Treated?
Dealing with gum pockets is no walk in the park. That’s because it involves a lot of extra dental care to maintain your gums and overall oral health. Here are the 5 most trusted ways of gum pockets treatment.
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Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning is the first step in treating periodontal pockets. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or periodontist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from around the teeth and below the gum line and smooth out the root surfaces to reduce the risk of further infection.
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Scaling
Scaling is a procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. It can help to reduce periodontal pocketing and the risk of infection.
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Root Planing
Root planing is a procedure that involves smoothing and flattening the roots of the teeth to reduce the risk of further infection. This procedure can also help to reduce the size of periodontal pockets.
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Antibiotics
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and infection around the teeth and gums.
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Pocket Reduction (Flap) Surgery
If other treatments are not successful, a pocket reduction or in other words periodontal (flap) surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves making an incision in the gums, which will allow your dentist or periodontist to remove plaque and tartar build-up and reshape the pockets around the teeth.
How to Prevent Gum Pockets?
Lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal pockets and gum disease. Do the following lifestyle alteration to prevent dental pockets.
- All tobacco use must end.
- Utilize a mouthwash that eliminates and combats plaque.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush at least twice a day to brush your teeth.
- Eat a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other foods containing vitamin C while avoiding junk food.
- Using alcohol-containing mouthwash is one of the significant causes of dry mouth. So avoid these types of mouthwashes.
- Drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, and avoiding caffeine also help.
- Always brush right away after consuming any sweets, drinks, or other sugary items.
- Use fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Floss frequently to get rid of bacteria and food fragments from between teeth.
- Visit your dentist for a thorough, professional cleaning at least once every six months.
Maintaining your oral health should be a top priority for you, as it is imperative to keep a healthy mouth and avoid any dental problems. Also, consulting your dentist and visiting the clinic regularly for an oral health check-up can help you with the overall diagnostic and treatment of any dental issues, including gum pockets.
If you live in Salem, Massachusetts, or a nearby area, Book your appointment or Contact Us at 978-607-0110.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.