Taking good care of your teeth is not only important for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. By brushing regularly every day and using dental floss, you can prevent many common dental diseases.
However, dental hygiene is not limited to your teeth alone. A more comprehensive care regimen is necessary. One of its most important components is gum care. If you only brush your teeth and neglect overall oral hygiene, bacteria can turn into gingivitis and lead to serious conditions like periodontal pockets.
So, what is a periodontal pocket? Why does it occur, and what symptoms does it present? If you’re looking for answers to these questions, you’re in the right place. In this article, you can learn what periodontal pockets are and which symptoms accompany them. Finally, you can explore treatment options for the disease and how to prevent it.
What Is a Periodontal Pocket?
A periodontal pocket is a common dental disease experienced by many but for which few take the necessary precautions. It is mostly characterized by food getting trapped between the teeth and gums; if left untreated, it can form the basis of advanced oral problems. To avoid all these issues, it is crucial to become familiar with periodontal pockets.
The hard tissue parts that surround the roots of your teeth are called gums. In a healthy mouth, teeth are firmly attached to the gums. However, when oral health is neglected, plaque and gingivitis damage the gums over time. Harmful bacteria that progress and destroy bone tissue cause the gums to recede from the teeth. This condition is called a periodontal pocket.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Pockets?
The symptoms of periodontal pockets are very similar to those of other gum diseases. Therefore, this condition is often mistaken for the common problem of gum swelling.
However, your specialist dentist can easily distinguish this disease from other oral problems by examining the following signs. Here are the most noticeable symptoms of periodontal pockets:
- Gum inflammation
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing
- Pain when using dental floss
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Pain between the teeth
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear spaced or loose
What Causes Periodontal Pockets?
Multiple factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease. The main cause is usually poor oral hygiene. However, the reason for periodontal pockets is not limited to this. The following factors are also among the common causes of periodontal pockets:
- Dental plaque
- Tartar
- Infection
- Gingivitis
- Poor nutrition
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Stress
- Cancer
- Tobacco or cigarette use
How Are Periodontal Pockets Treated?
If you suspect you have periodontal pockets, you should see your dentist at the earliest opportunity to confirm your suspicion. After checking symptoms such as redness, inflammation, and pain, your dentist can create a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment for periodontal pockets typically includes the following options:
- Cleaning: The first step in treating periodontal pockets is professional cleaning. During this procedure, tartar and plaque around the teeth and below the gum line are carefully removed. This prevents the spread and recurrence of oral infections.
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by simple cleaning are removed from the teeth using special instruments.
- Root Planing: This procedure involves smoothing the tooth roots to reduce the risk of infection. It also shortens the depth of the periodontal pockets.
- Antibiotics: If inflammation cannot be controlled with other treatments, antibiotics may be prescribed. After approximately two weeks of use, the dental exam is repeated.
- Periodontal Surgery: Applied when cleaning and medication are insufficient. The dentist makes incisions around the teeth with special instruments, reshapes the gum tissue as needed, and removes plaque and tartar buildup before discharging the patient.
How to Prevent Periodontal Pockets?
With a few small lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing periodontal pockets. You can start implementing the following recommendations:
- Quit tobacco use.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to combat plaque.
- Brush your teeth regularly.
- Avoid acidic foods; instead, consume fruits and vegetables.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Occasionally use dental floss to remove bacteria and food particles trapped between teeth.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Limit or, if possible, eliminate alcohol consumption.
- Visit your dentist for a comprehensive professional examination at least once every six months.
