Gum pocketsform in the space between the gums and the teeth. This is normal when it is a few millimeters thick, but when it becomes wider it could be the cause of a buildup of bacteria in the lower part of the gum.
The causes
Certainly improper oral hygiene can cause tartar and plaque buildup and the subsequent onset of gum pockets. Other factors may be a genetic predisposition, for which there is not much to be done, as well as pregnancy, which with its hormonal changes can promote gingivitis.
One must be especially careful, however, if one has diabetes, which causes lowered immune defenses and slow response against infection, as well as hyperglycemia, which promotes the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Another cause may come from smoking, which deteriorates the gums and, among other problems, can also cause gum pockets. And the advice is to quit as well to preserve your smile.
Symptoms and diagnosis
One obvious symptom is gum bleeding, which can also be related to many other factors, but one of them is precisely the presence of these bacteria hiding in our mouths. So if you see blood after daily brushing, it means that something is wrong and that we are dealing with ongoing inflammation.
You may also notice darker gums with swellings, increased tooth sensitivity when drinking cold drinks, and bad breath.
In these cases, it is best to consult your trusted dentist who will be able to give you a proper diagnosis, simply using a small probe to observe the gum pockets and their depth.
Care and prevention
Treatment to treat gum pockets involves an effective technique that relies on tartar removal, gingival cleaning, and root smoothing. The number of sessions may vary, depending on the progress of the disease. Now with the help of the latest technology, these methods are much less invasive and bothersome.
As always, prevention is better than cure. Perform proper daily oral hygiene using, in addition to the toothbrush, flossing and brushing to better clean every intersection between the teeth. It may be helpful, for those who are familiar with this condition, or already suffer from it, to use a pressure washer for a deeper cleaning.
In any case, returning to the dentist periodically is the best way to be sure that everything is okay and catch any possible pathology, including gum pockets, in time.
