When it comes to maintaining your oral health, your gums are just as important as your teeth. The gums are prone to developing pockets over time, which can increase your risk of gum disease and result in tooth loss. If you have pockets that are present, it’s important to understand the cause and how to treat them.
Bacteria Causes Pockets
Pockets that form in the gums are a common sign of inflammation due to bacteria and calcification of your dental plaque (tartar). Over time, tartar leads to inflammation where the pockets form. Gingivitis develops once inflammation occurs, which ultimately threatens the bone that is present around the teeth. The pockets can often lead to tissue and bone that begins to become destroyed. If the issue becomes unresolved, the affected teeth may need to be extracted.
How do you treat pockets in the gums?
A professional cleaning is one of the most effective ways of treating the pockets in your gums, to remove the tartar that is present. Tartar can’t be removed with brushing your teeth, making it necessary to visit a dental professional. The dentist will measure each pocket that is present with the use of a periodontal probe.
Once the cleaning is performed, the gums can begin to heal and will tighten around each tooth again. In severe cases, a periodontal pocket reduction procedure may be recommended to stabilize the condition and prevent it from escalating over time. The procedure is ideal for those who have pockets that have become too deep to treat with a thorough cleaning. Following a strict cleaning schedule throughout the year will also prove to be beneficial.
Preventative Tips
For those who want to maintain healthy gums, there are a few necessary preventative tips to follow to ensure that pockets don’t begin to form. Make it a point to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle strokes when brushing around the gums. Brush twice each day and replace the toothbrush after three months or once the bristles begin to wear down. Read more about our daily tips in this blog.
Flossing once each day is also necessary to remove bacteria and plaque that is prevent in areas that are hard to reach to reduce the risk of pockets from forming.
Treating your gums for pockets that may be present is possible with the help of our professional team. Contact us at Implantation Dental Center in Plantation, Florida to obtain proper treatment by calling 954-476-0770 or visiting our website at Implantationdentalcenter.com. Dr. Hervas is a Prosthodontics with Masters of Science degree and is also a Diplomate and Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics.
