Dental hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums and teeth. If you’re diligent in brushing and flossing daily and keep up with routine dental cleanings, chances are you’ll have fewer dental issues. Conversely, poor oral care can put you at risk of developing cavities, periodontal gum pockets, and early periodontal disease. Fortunately, early periodontal disease can be treated through deep cleaning.
What Are Periodontal Gum Pockets?
Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth are leading causes of gum disease. Naturally we have a small space between our teeth and gum that is called a periodontal pocket. Over time, harmful bacteria that sits on your teeth can cause inflammation of your gum tissues and increase the size of this pockets between your gums and teeth. These periodontal gum pockets become a place for plaque, bacteria, and debris to gather and cause further harm to your gums and teeth. Many people don’t realize they have early gum disease due to its mild symptoms. As your condition worsens, however, you’ll notice the following tell-tale signs of periodontal disease:
- Red, swollen gums that are tender to the touch
- Bleeding when you brush and floss
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Deep Cleaning for Periodontal Disease
Although there’s no cure for periodontal disease, expert dentist can help manage your symptoms and keep the disease process at bay through deep cleaning treatment. Deep cleaning is a process that involves scaling and root planing your teeth. Scaling removes all plaque and tartar from your gums and teeth, above and below the gum line, and cleanses periodontal gum pockets of infection to give your gums a chance to heal. Root planing smooths the root surfaces of your teeth to keep plaque from reattaching again. We can restore your gum health through deep cleaning to help save your teeth.
If you want to learn more about gum health, visit our Periodontal Care in Encinitas page or schedule a consultation.
