What do pockets in gums look like

Best Preventive Dental Care. Dental Hygiene and Preventive Dental Care. Office Hours Monday a. Tuesday a. Wednesday a. Thursday a. Friday a. Highland Dental Group. The bacteria that collects in the mouth continually forms plaque on the teeth and surrounding gums. If the plaque is not removed or cleaned off the teeth and gums, it turns into a hard deposit known as tartar. Tartar cannot be brushed off but must be removed by our hygienist. When the bacteria from the tartar inflame the gums, it triggers gingivitis, or the first stages of periodontal disease.

When this happens, pockets may form between the teeth and gums. When the pockets forms, or the gum tissue pulls away, more plaque and tartar can form. This deepens the pockets, thereby threatening the bones surrounding the teeth. Scaling and root planing helps remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from around teeth. This helps shrink the pocket.

In some instances, an antibacterial gel will also be placed directly into the pocket to attack bacteria and reduce inflammation. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or an antibiotic mouthwash to reduce bacteria after this procedure. If you have a deep pocket or bone loss but the tooth may still be saved, your dentist may recommend this procedure. A study explored the effectiveness of engineered periodontal membrane that can help regenerate of lost gum tissue in rats.

No matter what the underlying cause may be, lifestyle habits can dramatically prevent the occurrence of gum disease and periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets contain bacteria. When left untreated, this unchecked infection can continue to thrive and grow.

Complications can include:. The size of the pocket as well as the condition of the gums and bone will determine the treatment needed to reduce pocket size. Treatments range from professional cleanings to surgical solutions. Periodontal pockets and periodontal disease can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene and by seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings. Your doctor may recommend periodontal surgery to help treat gum disease. Learn what to expect from this procedure.

Teeth scaling is a deep dental cleaning that is often performed along with root planing. These procedures help clean bacteria from below the gum line…. A dental chart, also called a periodontal chart, is where your dental healthcare professional records the condition of your teeth and gums. When left untreated, it can lead to dental complications. Find out the symptoms to watch for, and…. Here are our picks, tips for comfortable use, and how we went about choosing the best water flossers.

Ready to narrow down your search? The sugars in soda can lead to cavities and poor dental health. Here's why it happens and how you can prevent it.