Your smile is your greatest asset and one of the first things someone notices about you, so we want our smiles to look healthy and beautiful! Although there are preventative measures we can take at home to make sure it stays that way, sometimes an issue arises without us even realizing it.
Gum disease is one of the most common problems we can face regarding our oral health. When you visit your periodontist, they can show you ways to reduce pocket depth in gums. Your periodontist may refer to pocket depth as probing depth. They can get rid of all existing bacteria (even if it’s hard to reach) as well as secure your healthy gum tissue back into place. 1
What Causes an Increase in Pocket Depth in Gums?
The most common reason for developing pockets around your teeth is periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. 2
Teeth are incredibly strong but even so, periodontal disease can introduce bacteria that will begin to weaken your supporting gum tissue and bone. This causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets. 1
As your pockets become deeper, aggressive types of bacteria begin to grow in the deep pockets. This increases your chances of developing a more advanced stage of gum disease. If this happens, you will experience the loss of more bone and tissue, and the need for the affected tooth to be extracted. 1
Factors that Increase Your Chances of Developing Gum Disease
There are many factors that can contribute to developing gum disease. Some factors we may be able to control and others we cannot control. The factors that contribute to gum disease include: 2
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking, chewing tobacco, or any other nicotine consumption
- Diabetes
- Crooked teeth that are difficult to thoroughly clean
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy
Even though chronic gum disease affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, that doesn’t have to include you! 2 Make sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, use mouthwash, eat healthy and nutritious meals, and maintain regular dental check-ups.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontal disease can be painless and therefore, can easily go undetected. It’s important to be aware of the early signs of infection. If left untreated, you risk the loss of tissue and bone, which could also lead to the loss of your tooth or multiple teeth. 2
The most common signs to look for are: 2
- Your gums tend to bleed easily
- You notice your gums are red, swollen, and/or tender
- Your gums seem to have pulled away from your teeth
- Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Your adult teeth have become loose and/ or are separating from each other
- Your bite feels different than normal
Reduce Pocket Depth in Gums by Seeing Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester
If you notice any changes in your teeth, including the early warning signs above, see your periodontist as soon as possible. The beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed, making early detection key.
At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, we understand that every need is different and that’s why we have a number of treatment options that will care for your gums. We aim to help you save your natural teeth and protect your implants as well. These treatments include:
- Regular Periodontal Maintenance & Cleanings
- Laser Treatments
- Pocket Depth Reduction
- Regeneration
- Soft Tissue Grafts
- Crown Lengthening
No matter the case, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with and one that fits your exact needs.
Contact Us
Our mission is to deliver care beyond your expectations. If you’ve noticed any discomfort in your oral health, including signs that you could be developing pockets between your gums and your teeth, we urge you to contact us right away at 585.685.2005. A more confident smile is just a phone call away!
Sources:
[1] https://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket-reduction-procedures.htm
[2] https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease
