Your teeth should not have pockets. A pocket next to a tooth indicates you have a severe dental infection called periodontitis, or perio, for short. If not treated, a perio abscess can form, and then, you could be in serious danger.
A perio pocket develops from a tiny moat called a sulcus that surrounds each of your teeth. A sulcus is similar to a snug collar, and it can become infected. Sometimes, a food particle like a popcorn hull will lodge in the sulcus, between your gum and tooth [top image]. The hull quickly attracts hungry bacteria. If the hull is not removed, your saliva can't flush out the rapidly multiplying bacteria.
You might notice swelling, redness and pain in the area along with a nasty taste in your mouth [bottom image]. Sometimes, there will be no pain, but that doesn't mean you aren't in danger.
When bacteria grow to the extent that an abscess forms, the abscess can cause enough pressure that the infection will push out through your gum and discharge its foul contents into your mouth. The infection could also invade your jawbone, tooth and surrounding structures, like nerves and blood vessels. If they are damaged, you could lose your tooth and the neighboring teeth. The infection could also travel to your brain or other parts of your body and do extensive damage.
It is important for us to treat an oral infection as soon as possible because home remedies cannot kill the infection and save your teeth. We can eliminate those bacteria-laden pockets and restore your happy smile.
Don't take chances with your health. Call us immediately whenever you have anything that seems unusual happening in your mouth.
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