{"id":78,"date":"2022-10-13T03:15:46","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T03:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mybackbaydentist.com\/blog\/?p=78"},"modified":"2025-04-01T11:22:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T11:22:48","slug":"how-is-arestin-used-for-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mybackbaydentist.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/13\/how-is-arestin-used-for-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Periodontal Pockets & How Can You Get Rid of Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gum disease<\/a> is an infection that commonly occurs due to poor oral hygiene. Genetics, pregnancy, and other factors can also contribute to how likely someone is to develop this condition. When someone has gum disease, this can sometimes cause periodontal pockets to form. Keep reading to learn about what these are as well as what your dentist can do to get rid of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Periodontal Pockets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When bacteria in your mouth isn\u2019t regularly washed away, plaque will start to build up on your teeth and around the edges of your gums. If it isn\u2019t removed, it will eventually harden into tartar, which can’t be removed without help from a dentist or hygienist. Left untreated, the bacteria will cause inflammation in your gum tissue. This will lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resulting inflammation and swelling can result in the formation of periodontal pockets. These spaces surround the teeth and are located under the gumline. They can become filled with infectious bacteria, which will deepen the pocket and threaten the health of the underlying bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Eliminate These Pockets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step in treating gum disease is professional cleaning. Your dentist will perform a scaling and root planing procedure in which they remove the tartar and plaque buildup. This allows your gums to once again tighten around your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is no significant bone loss, this may be the only treatment you need. However, those who have formed deep pockets may need surgical treatment to stabilize their periodontal condition. Some dentists also offer topical or oral antibiotics to get the infection under control. Additionally, there are several types of surgery that can be performed to remove the infection and reduce gum pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 More Ways to Fight Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though your dentist will do what they can to help you get the infection under control, its best to prevent gum disease from happening in the first place by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n