As long as you have a healthy mouth, you do not consider the condition of your gums. The moment the space between your teeth and gums starts to widen makes you think differently. What are periodontal pockets?
This is assigned you have gum disease. It is followed by paining gums. The space can widen to form periodontal pockets. If not urgent medical care is done, these spaces widen and ultimately cause teeth loss. Let us find out more about periodontal pockets.
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What To Know About Periodontal Pocket
A periodontal pocket is a space between the teeth and gum, which forms below the gum line. They include one the gum has been affected by periodontal disease.
Periodontal pockets are dangerous in your mouth as they create a conducive environment for the survival of bad bacteria. Though they are not visible to the natural eye, dentists can identify these spaces with the help of periodontal probes.
During a screening by dentists, you may hear words like three- two-three, four-three-three and such. They use these terms when probing to find out how deep the pockets are; this tells the severity of the disease and determines the treatment option you ought to take. Periodontal pockets may lead to bleeding gums and affect the general health of your gums.
- Anatomy of a Periodontal Pocket
The space between your teeth and gum is normal. This space, however, may extend and become dangerous. In a normal situation, this space is called a sulcus. Unless you maintain good dental health, bacteria and food particles may collect in the sulcus.
These bacteria are easily eliminated through flossing and brushing. You can also use dental supplements; a toothbrush only cleans less than an inch below the gum line.
When the pocket goes above 4mm, it becomes hard to clean unless you use medication. The gum tissues may host bad bacteria and continue to space out, allowing more bacteria to thrive.
This is what a periodontal pocket becomes. At this point, you start expected dental inflammation. Bacteria need to be removed, and if nothing is done, you may experience further loss of the surrounding bone and gum tissues.
What Cause Periodontal pocket?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis. Condition is popularly known as inflammation of the gums. Along the gum line, the pocket increases, and the gums become inflamed.
You need to ensure regular and proper cleaning to prevent the further spread of this condition. Currently one of the best supplements for gum disease is Prodentim.
Many people believe the tooth has a direct attachment to the bone. The anatomy of the tooth is different, though. The tooth is attached to the bone but through tiny fibers. Bacteria infest your teeth, become inflamed, and are lost.
Gingivitis progresses to more serious conditions, which require professional treatment. When it becomes periodontitis, periodontal ligaments and gum tissues are damaged. Untreated, periodontal disease may cause structural damage.
How to Eliminate Periodontal Pockets
The first step in treating periodontal pockets is dental diagnosis. Make sure you visit a reliable dentist to check your teeth. Once they establish your periodontal pockets stage, get the teeth [professionally cleaned.
Tooth cleaning is also called scaling or root planning. It is done by removing tartar and the contents of plaque buildup. Cleaning your teeth gives them a chance to brighten and prevent tooth loss. This may be the only treatment required unless the condition has progressed.
Surgical treatment may be the only option in deep pockets above 7mm. Non-surgical treatment options include the use of antibiotics or dental formulas.
The aim is to control bacterial infection by removing the bad bacteria and repopulating good bacteria. To eliminate dental pockets, surgery prescribed include; flap surgery, soft tissue graft, and guided tissue.
Home Remedies for Periodontal Pockets
When periodontal pockets are not so deep, there are several natural home remedies to prevent further damage. Nonetheless, regular visits to the dentist are an important maintenance routine. It will help mitigate the chances of developing dental pockets. Here are some home remedies to prevent periodontal pockets.
- Clean your mouth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do more cleaning around the areas where plaque buildup tends to occur the most.
- Replace your toothbrush after three months maximum.
- If your mouth accumulates tartar often, use tartar-control toothpaste.
- Oil pulling. Oil pulling is a natural ayurvedic practice done many years ago to remove plaque. Swish a tablespoon of recommended pulling oil like coconut oil for around 15 to 20 minutes for proper oil pulling. Gurgling pulls out the oils between the teeth; it dilutes plaque, and once done, warm gurgle water and brush your teeth. You should be able to remove stubborn particles. Sesame oil is also a popular oil used in this practice.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
Saltwater has been used for ages as a treatment for gum disease and dental-related infections. The mixture contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe gum inflammation.
- Green tea. Green tea is a popular ingredient in most dental formulas. A 2009 research found out that green tea promotes healthy gum and teeth. It has properties that help prevent disease. One or two cups of green tea will do you great good.
Periodontal Pockets Treatment through Surgical Method
If you want to avoid survival treatment, as long as your gum pockets exceed 7mm, this is the only remedy. It is an effective way of stopping receding gums. It also helps regenerate gum tissue through professional help.
- Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is when a professional cleans the gum’s deep tissue. The dentist will lift your gum and clean the gum recession-causing bacteria. They then place the tissues back in their place.
- Tissue graft
Oral surgery is the best remedy for severe gum recession. The procedure involves the surgeon taking tissue from your mouth and placing it on the gum. The objective of tissue graft is to cover the tooth’s root to protect it from harm.
- Bone regeneration
Bone regeneration happens when the pockets are in their worst state, eating up part of the jawbone. Professionals apply a special protein that triggers the regrowth of the bone tissue.
Final Words
Receding gums and periodontal pockets is a common conditions. If you practice oral hygiene, the situation will not reach waning levels. You play a significant role in maintaining your oral health. Ensure regular dental visits to diagnose periodontal pockets as they start forming. Exhaust natural options like oiling before seeking medications.
