What Is A Gingival Pocket?

A gingival pocket is an area where gum tissue and bone have receded from the teeth. When gum tissue surrounding the teeth is lost, it can cause tooth sensitivity, decay and periodontal disease. Gingival pockets are small spaces that develop in the gums when tooth enamel wears away over time.

What Is A Gingival Pocket?

A gingival pocket forms when there is too much difference between healthy tooth enamel and the gum tissue surrounding it. When the gum tissue becomes thinner than usual due to age or certain health conditions, plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth, causing more wear and tear as they rub against each other while you eat and drink.

The space that forms between the gum tissue and your teeth is called a gingival pocket, and it can be excruciating as bacteria begins to collect in the pocket. The most common cause of gingival pockets is periodontal disease, which also forms due to orthodontic treatments such as braces or tooth extractions.

What Causes Gingival Pocket?

1. Gum Disease

If you have numerous dental fillings in your teeth, you are at risk for developing gingival pockets. Since oral health is vital to your overall health, seeing a dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings is crucial.

2. Braces

Gingival pockets are more common in people with orthodontic treatment because the braces pressure the gums surrounding the teeth. It is especially true if there are too many attachments or if certain parts of the orthodontic treatment are not appropriately installed – leaving your gums exposed to plaque and food particles that can cause gum disease.

3. Diabetes

Diabetes may cause gingival pockets in combination with periodontal disease.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gingival Pocket?

1. Mouth Sores

Gingival pockets can lead to mouth sores or periodontal disease, painful conditions that a dentist should treat.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

If you suffer from the gingival pocket, you may also experience tooth sensitivity in your gums around the teeth. It is one of the more common symptoms of gum disease.

3. Bad Breath

Bad breath is also associated with gingival pockets as they can cause “pocket breath” or halitosis, as well as dental decay and cavities around the teeth where there used to be gum tissue.

How To Treat Gingival Pocket?

If you have a gingival pocket, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. At the time of your regular appointment, your dentist or hygienist will schedule a cleaning to scrape away plaque and bacteria from around your teeth. If treatment is not expected soon enough, gum disease can worsen and cause severe problems for your teeth and gums.

What Are The Dangers Of Gingival Pocket?

1. Gum Disease

The gingival pocket can worsen and lead to periodontal disease, which damages your gums, bones and tooth enamel. When gum disease is not treated early enough, it can spread throughout the mouth and cause cavities around the teeth.

2. Tooth Decay

If you leave a gingival pocket untreated for too long, it can cause tooth decay. As the plaque in your mouth builds up on your teeth and causes further damage to your gums, the bacteria from food particles may seep into the spaces between your teeth and cause cavities around the edges of your smile.

3. Receding Gums

Receding gums are common, especially among people who suffer from gum disease. In addition to gingival pockets, receding gums are a sign of gum disease and should be treated by your dentist immediately.

4. Deepening Pocket

A gingival pocket can deepen over time, especially in people with diabetes or those being treated for periodontal disease. Left untreated, a shallow gingival pocket can develop into a severe health condition requiring extensive surgery.

What Can Be Done To Treat Gingival Pocket?

1. Oral Hygiene

When you see your dentist for regular cleanings, you can help prevent gingival pockets from forming by ensuring that your teeth and gums are properly brushed and flossed.

2. Flouride Treatment

Treatment for gingival pockets usually involves irrigating (dental cleaning) or scaling (scraping away plaque) around the teeth to remove plaque and bacteria from the area. It requires a high fluoride concentration to remove stains from tooth surfaces and strengthen tooth enamel.

3. Avoid Grinding And Bruxism

One way to prevent gingival pockets from worsening is to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to wearing down the enamel on your teeth, this habit can also wear down the gum tissue around your smile, leading to gingival pockets and tooth decay.

A gingival pocket is a common problem that can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease, so it should be treated as soon as possible. The best way to treat gingival pockets is to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. When your regular dental visit, your dentist will ask you about any symptoms you’re experiencing in your mouth and examine the area around your teeth. If you have a gingival pocket, your dentist will recommend treatment options such as scaling or laser gum surgery. The Smile Angels of Beverly Hills can help you find a dentist in Beverly Hills that can provide treatment for gingival pockets.