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What are periodontal pockets?
As mentioned earlier there is a shallow ditch like space that separates
the margin of the normal gums from the tooth surface. The depth of this
space ranges from 0-2mm and is called gingival sulcus. As gum disease progresses
the gum margin becomes detached from the tooth surface and the sulcus becomes
progressively deeper. This sulcus that has been deepened by disease is called
periodontal pocket. It is one of the places that a dentist will carefully
examine to detect the presence of gum disease. In the early stages there
are usually no symptoms and patients are unaware of the progressing disease,
but as the inflammation spreads there is bleeding from the pockets |
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Does professional cleaning or removal of
tartar cause loosening of teeth?
Teeth are held firmly by the gingiva and the supporting bone of the periodontium.
Bad oral hygiene results in the formation of plaque. If plaque is not removed
in time it calcifies to form a hard mass called tartar/calculus. Professional
cleaning removes this tartar and arrest further destruction of supporting
bone. However, tartar deposit often hold together teeth that have already
been weakened by chronic gum disease and mask existing tooth mobility. Therefore
removal of the tartar deposit at this stage may give a false feeling of
teeth becoming loose. Nevertheless removal of tartar deposit is only the
first step towards periodontal health. |
What are the common signs of gum diseases?
Common signs are bleeding, red and swollen gums. Irrespective of the person's
complexion, the gums should never be red, or be swollen. Persistent bad
breath, receding gums, increasing spaces between the teeth, one or more
teeth becoming loose, and vague aching, itching or discomfort around the
gums are some of the other common signs. |
Is gum disease the only cause of bad breath
(halitosis)?
Gum diseases are the main source of bad breath; other causes include diseases
of the sinuses, lungs, stomach and throat infection. |
Is it true that some medications cause
swollen gums as side effects?
Yes, some drugs like Dilantin sodium taken for treatment of Epilepsy result
in swollen gums. These conditions often require surgical excision of the
swelling constant maintenance treatment. |
Do all people require professional cleaning
of teeth?
As keeping the mouth clean is not an easy job almost everybody need professional
cleaning. But this kind of cleaning is essential particularly for those
who are unable to prevent tarter accumulation on their teeth. |
Can mouthwashes prevent gum disease?
Mouthwash reduces the amount of bacteria present in the mouth and provides
an opportunity for the gum to heal. However mouthwashes can be harmful if
used for prolonged time without professional monitoring. |
Is it necessary to massage the gums after
tooth brushing?
It is a good habit to massage the gums after brushing, for it improves the
blood circulation to the area and helps it to maintain health. |
Does pregnancy cause gum disease?
During pregnancy some change in hormonal level in the body does occur. This
causes the gum to be hypersensitive and therefore over react to any local
irritation. Even in the presence of small quantities of plaque the gums
get inflamed. Some times big localized swelling may form. A few weeks after
the birth of the child when the mother's hormonal level comes to normal
the periodontal condition usually returns to the situation that existed
before the pregnancy. |
