Periodontal Pockets and Other Signs of Gum Disease
If you have never heard of periodontal pockets then odds are good you enjoy an unusual level of dental health. These pockets appear on the gums as a result of gum or periodontal disease. You may also hear it referred to as gingivitis. This common dental disease is the leading cause of bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances being used. It can be avoided with proper care and screening. The problem is that the symptoms of gum disease rarely cause any pain or discomfort, so the bacteria has a chance to get a hold on your teeth and gums before you are aware of the danger. The early stages of periodontal disease are difficult for you to detect, but there are some warning signs you can watch out for.
- sensitive, receding gums
- bleeding gums
- dry mouth and bad breath
Many people are unclear on what sensitive gums mean. For some people the problem manifests itself as a tingling, irritating sensation on the gum line that they can't explain. Others will notice a pronounced sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. In most cases, sensitive gums are a sign that the gums have begun to pull away from the surface of the teeth due to gum disease. It is possible for your dentist to repair receding gums. As with any dental problem, the earlier it is treated, the better the outcome will be.
Another sign that you may need treatment for periodontal disease is bleeding gums. The only times your gums should have a reason to bleed is during a dental procedure or in the case of a sharp food object temporarily irritating the gums and causing a little bleeding. Foods like raw vegetables and popcorn kernels have been known to cause this problem. Your gums should never bleed during regular daily maintenance like brushing your teeth or flossing.
Dry mouth or chronic bad breath may also signal that your gums have developed periodontal pockets. The pockets form along the gum line and are full of odor causing bacteria. Since this bacterium thrives in dry environments, it's important to keep the mouth and its tissues moist. If your bad breath is unexplainable, seek dental advice to correct the problem.
The keys to success in the battle against gum disease and most oral problems are hidden in nature. Fighting the bacteria that causes the problem is the first place to start and specific species of peppermint and spearmint oils are scientifically proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Get your mouth in mint condition today!
