What Causes Pockets in Your Gums
Posted on April 03, 2025
Gum pockets are one of the most common warning signs of periodontal disease. These "pockets" form when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small spaces that can trap plaque, bacteria, and food debris. At first, it might not seem like a serious issue. But over time, these pockets can deepen, leading to tooth instability, bone loss, and even eventual tooth loss if left untreated. There are a number of causes that lead to the advancement of gum pockets and severe gum disease, but with proper treatment, such as periodontal flap surgery or root planing and scaling, you can reverse the effects of gum disease and protect the longevity of your natural teeth. For expert gum care and to address gum pockets effectively, book a consultation at The Perio Centre with our trusted periodontist in Oshawa.
Signs of Gum Pockets
Gum pockets form in response to gum disease, which is the result of plaque and tartar buildup on the tooth and its surrounding structures. One of the first symptoms people notice is bleeding while brushing or flossing. You might also experience persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, or a sensation that your teeth feel longer due to receding gum tissue. These are all signs that you could be developing gum pockets and may need a thorough periodontal evaluation. If ignored, what begins as mild inflammation can evolve into chronic gum disease, creating complex oral health problems that require more advanced interventions. To address gum pockets effectively, visit your local periodontist in Oshawa. At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts provide tailored treatments to reduce pain and restore health.
Here are some of the reasons you might be experiencing gum pockets and how you can treat them.
Understanding How Gum Pockets Form
Pockets in the gums form as a result of the body's natural response to bacterial buildup. When plaque accumulates along and beneath the gumline, the immune system responds with inflammation. While this is meant to fight off harmful bacteria, the inflammation also causes the gum tissue to become puffy and start pulling away from the tooth. Over time, this separation creates a pocket, a space where more bacteria can collect and multiply. The deeper these pockets become, the harder they are to clean, even with regular brushing and flossing.
One of the most significant factors in the formation of gum pockets is plaque that hardens into tartar, or calculus. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. Without proper intervention, the bacteria within tartar continue to irritate the gums and erode the supporting structures of the teeth. In many cases, this leads to progressive periodontal disease, which may require surgical procedures like periodontal flap surgery to correct.
The causes of gum pockets and recession include:
- Aggressive brushing
- Genetic gum disease
- Smoking cigarettes
- Inconsistent oral hygiene or dental care
- Other illnesses, such as diabetes
Why Invest in Periodontal Flap Surgery
Once gum pockets reach a certain depth, typically 5mm or more, non-surgical periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing might not be enough. If recommended by your periodontist in Oshawa, investing in periodontal flap surgery with Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre can help preserve the future of your smile by warding off infection and keeping your teeth secure in the gums and bone. The procedure involves lifting the gum tissue away from the tooth and surrounding bone, thoroughly cleaning out the infected areas underneath, and then repositioning the tissue for better support and easier cleaning in the future.
Protect Your Gums and Teeth at The Perio Centre
At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Oshawa, is committed to helping patients preserve their natural teeth and protect their smiles with custom treatment plans to help you reverse the effects of gum disease. Our team uses top-of-the-line technology and leading treatment techniques to give you comfortable, high-quality results.
To learn more about gum pocket and gum disease treatments, book a consultation with our team.