Like many, you may think only teeth matter to oral health. That’s a common view – pearly whites often attract the most attention. Still, it’s best to monitor your gum tissue as well. You might develop little pockets in them if you aren’t careful. Should that happen, you’ll need proper dental care from a pro. Luckily, your Colorado Springs dentist can assist with this issue. Here’s a primer on periodontal pockets and how to treat them.
What are Periodontal Pockets?
It’s easy to think gum problems are always obvious. After all, many well-known ones – swelling, bleeding, etc. – can be eye-catching. However, periodontal pockets are a slight exception.
Periodontal pockets are spaces around your teeth, usually under the gum line. They can be rather subtle when they first appear. Even so, they tend to get filled with bad bacteria over time. They’re thus a symptom of gum disease.
There are a few ways to detect periodontal pockets. Naturally, the first method is a simple visual assessment of your gums. From there, a dentist could measure the pocket depth around each of your teeth.
How Do You Treat Them?
Given their nature, periodontal pockets need gum disease treatment. That means only a dentist can eliminate them.
Overall, dentists have several ways to treat gum disease. One option is scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Another is pocket reduction surgery, which pulls back your gums and takes out large pockets of plaque.
Naturally, you should talk to your dentist about the best treatment choice. They’ll assess your gum tissue and suggest the right procedure. From there, you’ll be on your way to gums without pockets.
How Do You Prevent Them?
Of course, it’s better to prevent periodontal pockets when you can. Therefore, remember to use the tips below:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Clean your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When doing so, move the brush carefully around your gumline to remove plaque.
- Keep Dental Tools Clean – To ensure your toothbrush stays effective, replace it every three to four months. Otherwise, switch it when the brush bristles wear out.
- Use the Right Products – If your mouth builds up plaque and tartar quickly, try a tartar-control toothpaste.
- Consult Your Dentist – Get your dentist’s thoughts on professional cleanings and an oral exam. If necessary, they can suggest more dental checkups per year.
About the Practice
Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists, LLC is based in Colorado Springs, CO. Led by its three periodontists, our practice can perform top-tier care for your mouth. We thus offer periodontal therapies, surgical extractions, dental implants, and more. Our team can also provide sedation dentistry for patients with moderate or severe anxiety. So, we’re well-prepared to meet your oral needs! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (719)-574-4867.