Periodontal pockets- These are the spaces surrounding the teeth under the gums. These pockets can become filled with infection-causing bacteria or pus if treatment not commenced at right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pockets are a symptoms of periodontitis ( a gum disease) which is a serious oral infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be treated and reversed with good oral hygiene or dental treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If left untreated, periodontal pockets can lead to severe symptoms related to teeth and in return may loss affected tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Periodontal pockets are <\/strong>–<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teeth are\nnormally held firmly in their sockets by tissues of gums and bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have the\ngum disease, erosion of tissue can\noccur, causing spaces or gaps known as periodontal pockets . These pockets can\ncapture and harbour bacteria, causing damage to the bones of jaw , where teeth\nare anchored into the sockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pockets are measured in millimeters (mm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all the pockets are considered harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Size and severity\nof periodontal pockets<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1\nto 3 mm: normal <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 to 5 mm: early\nor mild periodontitis disease of the gum is present<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 to 7 mm:\nmoderate periodontitis<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7 to 12 mm:\nadvanced periodontitis<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pockets starts with gingivitis, a gum infection\ncaused by accumulatiom of plaque in the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaque is a\nsticky film composed of bacteria and food debris that form on teeth while\nhaving food and their improper cleaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This film can be\nremoved by brushing and flossing. When\nit\u2019s not removed properly the plaque occurs which further leads to<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflammation<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infection<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advancement of gum disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dental calculus<\/p>\n\n\n\n When gingivitis\nis left unnoticed, it turns into\nperiodontal disease, which has several stages of severity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Risk factors for periodontal pockets <\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t\nfloss and brush at least twice daily, you increase your risk of accumulation of\nplaque which leads to periodontal disease significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may\noccur especially if you eat a high-sugar diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sugary foods and\ndrinks can accelerate tooth decay and gingivitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other risk\nfactors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1.Smoking or chewing tobacco<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2.Medications that cause dry mouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3.Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4.Insulin resistance associated with obesity or with being obese<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5.Stress<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.Aging<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7.Diabetes<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8.Cardiovascular disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9.Vitamin C deficiency<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10.Genetics and heredity<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11.Cancer treatments that deplete the immune system<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12.leukemia<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13.HIV infection\nand AIDS<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14.Crohn\u2019s\ndisease<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15.Rheumatoid arthritis<\/p>\n\n\n\n How are periodontal pockets treated<\/strong>–<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your treatment\nwill be carried out by the size and depth of the periodontal pocket and the\ncondition of your gums and bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning by professionals Small pockets may be reduced in size with professional dental cleanings along with home oral hygiene habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dentist will\nrecommend you to brush and floss daily at least twice. You may also be\nprescribed with an antibacterial mouthwash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These practices\nwill help to remove plaque and around teeth, thus reducing gum inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scaling and root planning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This non-surgical\nprocedure is done with laser or ultrasonic device and with Hand instruments,\nlike curettes and scalers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pocket reduction surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a\ndeep pocket or extensive bone loss but the tooth may still be saved, your\ndentist may recommend this procedure<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to prevent periodontal pockets<\/strong> –<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brush at least\ntwice daily with a soft-bristle brush<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a fluoridated\ntoothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a mouthwash<\/p>\n\n\n\n Floss regularly\nto remove bacteria and food particles accumulated in between teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop tobacco use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eliminate sugary\ndiet and drinks<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you eat candy,\ndrink soda, or any other sugary substances, always brush afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid junk food\nand eat a healthy diet<\/p>\n\n\n\n See your dentist\nat regular interval (around 6 months)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Complications from periodontal pockets<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n Periodontal\npockets contain bacteria. if left untreated, this can continue to grow. Complications may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red and swollen gums that contain pus<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pain while chewing and biting<\/p>\n\n\n\n loosening of\nteeth<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe bad breath that doesn\u2019t go away with normal cleaning<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recession of gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bone loss<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tooth loss<\/p>\n\n\n\n