Many of us have experienced wearing a pair of jeans that are so tight that it is difficult to get anything in or out of them.
What does this have to do with your mouth?
Gums can also have pockets. We want them empty and small, total opposite to your jeans pockets. Gums should wrap the neck of the tooth so tightly that you can get just about dental floss into the gum line.
Dental pocket is simply the space around the teeth that is enclosed by the gums. The right term is periodontal pocket. Periodontal comes from “peri”(around) and “odont”(tooth). Pockets provide a perfect habitat for germs to thrive, and get inflamed if not properly cleaned. Gaps at the gum line widen as the gums get inflamed and some of their attachments to the teeth become loose. These bigger pockets collect food, plaque, and bacteria. Although periodontal pockets are invisible to the eye, dentist and dental hygienist are trained how to detect them during an oral exam by using small measuring tool called perio probe.
Healthy gum are tight around the neck of the tooth and have 1-3mm pockets. Normally bristles of a tooth brush can reach 2-3mm depth and when paired with daily flossing can thoroughly clean this space.
If some material remains within and hardens as a result of the calcium that naturally accumulates in the saliva, the pockets deepen. Bacteria grows, and the gums become inflamed. This stage is usually referred to as mild or early periodontitis, with pockets measuring 3-5mm. At this stage, treatment should be considered.
Bacteria can travel down the line if not addressed, causing damage to the bone structure that holds the teeth in place. We measure pockets deeper than 5mm in the moderate and severe phases.
Do you notice any difference when your periodontal pockets are deep?
This is the issue. Early on, there is little to no symptoms. Occasionally gum bleeding, change in taste or bad odor can be noted.
More regular bleeding and bad breath from the gums, as well as tooth movement, characterize the moderate and severe phases of the disease.
So, what are your options?
It you are already getting your routine checkups twice a year and brushing and FLOSSSING, that’s all you need to do. Let your dentist and hygienist handle the rest. If you require assistance in keeping your gums healthy or if you have a periodontal problem that needs treatment, they will advise you.
Treatment can and should be provide in any stage of the condition. When given early on, however, it is more efficient and predictable.