Deep Pockets Between Teeth: Causes & Treatment

Periodontal pockets are spaces or openings between the teeth and gums. These pockets can become filled with bacteria and infected, causing discomfort or pain. Periodontal pockets are a symptom of gum disease, which is an infection of the gums. If these pockets are left untreated, the infection can spread to supporting bone and tissues that hold the teeth in place. Over time, this may lead to tooth looseness or loss. In this blog post, we will discuss what periodontal pockets are, how deep pockets form between teeth and the treatment options.

What’re Periodontal Pockets & How Do They Form?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis infection can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

Healthy gums fit snugly around teeth, and there is a very small space between the gum and tooth. When gums become inflamed, infected, and pull away from the teeth, this space widens and forms infected gum pockets. The depth of pockets between teeth varies from one person to another and can range from millimeters (mild to moderate) to several centimeters (deep).

As bacteria in these pockets causes further swelling and bone loss, they deepen over time. If not treated, the periodontal pockets may eventually reach below the gums into supporting structures that hold teeth firmly in place. As a result, teeth become loose or fall out if left untreated. Read more about gingivitis vs healthy gums.

How Deep are the Pockets between Teeth?

Periodontal pocket depth is measured with a special probe (periodontal probe) that is inserted into the pockets. This measurement is taken during a dental exam and helps to determine the stage of gum disease.

  • 1 to 3 mm: normal pockets depth.
  • 4 to 5 mm: mild periodontal pockets (mild periodontitis).
  • 5 to 7 mm: moderate periodontal pockets (moderate periodontitis).
  • 7 to 12 mm: advanced, deep periodontal pockets between teeth and gums (severe periodontitis).
Measurement of deep periodontal pockets between teeth
Deep periodontal pockets between teeth are measured in millimeters (mm) with a periodontal probe.

What Causes Deep Pockets Formation between Teeth & Gums?

The deep pocket formation between teeth is a common symptom of gum disease, which is caused by dental plaque. When bacteria accumulate on teeth, they form a sticky film called dental plaque. If not removed, this plaque hardens into calculus (tartar) which can irritate and inflame the gums. Over time, the infection and inflammation spread below the gum line, causing damage to tooth-supporting tissues and the formation of deep periodontal pockets between teeth.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of periodontal pockets between teeth, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of gum disease and periodontal pockets.
  • Dry mouth condition, also known as xerostomia.
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy (pregnancy gingivitis) and the menstrual cycle may also cause deep pockets between teeth.
  • Poor nutrition, including not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
  • Presence of diabetes or other systemic diseases that affects overall health and immune system function.
  • Certain medications that decrease the salivary flow and cause dry mouth.
  • Genetics and heredity.
Risk factors for periodontal pockets
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal pockets, such as poor oral hygiene and smoking.

Treatment Options for Deep Pockets between Teeth & Gums

There are several treatments available for periodontal pockets, depending on their size and severity.

Non-Surgical Treatment

If pockets are 1-3 mm deep, professional teeth cleaning may be sufficient. If pockets between teeth and gums are 4 to 5 mm deep (mild periodontitis), your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. In this procedure, plaque and calculus are removed from below the gum line, and the root surfaces are smoothed so that gum tissue can reattach itself to the tooth.

Home care instructions will be given to you following a deep cleaning, including daily brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups. Also, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection.

Surgical Treatment

In moderate to severe pockets, scaling and root planing alone is not sufficient. If the pockets are are more than 5 mm deep, your dentist may recommend a surgical treatment such as pocket depth reduction or gum flap surgery. In pocket depth reduction surgery, the surgeon removes excess tissue from deep pockets to make them shallower.

Gum flap surgery involves lifting the gums away from the teeth to allow better access to deep pockets for cleaning and removing the tartar from below the gum line. The gums are then sutured back in place. This surgery is often performed along with scaling and root planing. The surgery aims to reduce deep pockets and reverse periodontal disease bone loss.

If you have deep pockets between your teeth and gums, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and tooth loss. Consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment for you.

Prevention of Deep Pockets between Teeth & Gums

There are several ways to help control deep pocket formation between teeth and gums.

  • Brush at least twice a day with antimicrobial toothpaste, especially after meals.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth.
  • Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Quit smoking and tobacco use. Your gums can heal after quitting smoking.
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
  • See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional teeth cleaning.

Deep Pockets between Teeth – Conclusion

Periodontal pockets are a common sign of periodontitis (advanced gum disease). These pockets form when gums become inflamed or infected. Over time, the pockets increase in size and depth, leading to damage of tooth-supporting tissues.

There are several treatment options available for deep pockets between teeth and gums, depending on their size and severity. The treatment includes professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, and gum surgery. So, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Share This Post
Recent Posts

How Long Do White Fillings Last?

How long do white fillings last? Several factors can influence their lifespan, such as the type and location of filling. Learn more!
Editor's Pick
Related Posts

Wisdom Tooth Abscess

A wisdom tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection in the tooth or surrounding gums. Learn about the causes & treatments.

Can You Get Dry Socket with Stitches?

Some people may get a dry socket after stitches following a tooth extraction. Learn about causes, treatment, managing the pain & prevention.

Toothache at Night Only

Do you experience a toothache at night only? Learn more about the possible causes, how to manage the pain, and treatment options.

Receding Gums Braces

Are you wearing braces and noticing receding gums? Learn the causes of receding gums while wearing braces, treatments, and prevention tips.