Wednesday 9 December 2015

Dentist's hands in your pockets!

Are you one of those who doesn't like going to the dentist with full pockets? Many don't. They have a feeling, dentists tend to empty them out. They will tell you a lot of reasons why, mesmerize you with terms more dreadful than the germs that cause them. Gingivitis, periodontitis, halitosis. But in the end, it all boils down to your pockets. It seems how deep your pockets are, the more trouble you are in with your teeth.
 Wait! What pockets were you thinking here? I am talking about gum pockets!
 In a healthy mouth, gums firmly encircle the tooth all around, with very little space between the gums and the tooth. When the gums are not cleaned by proper brushing, germs anchor in these spaces and start to form deposits called as calculus or tartar. The calculus or tartar pushes the gums away from the teeth forming pockets. As gum disease progresses, the gum or gingival pockets keep deepening and the teeth become weaker. This gum disease causes problems such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath and loose teeth.



So is proper brushing alone sufficient to prevent gum pockets? Here is what more you need to do for healthy gums:
1. While brushing will clean the gums at the front and back, you also need to clean the gums in between the teeth. This is done by flossing. 
2. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal. 
3. Ensure a healthy, nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and dairy products. 
4. Do not use toothpicks regularly. If food gets stuck in between your teeth very frequently, consult your dentist. 
5. Smoking is a strict no for healthy gums. 
6. Visit your dentist once every 6 months or annually for routine check-up and dental cleaning. 
 Dental cleaning (dental scaling) is done to remove the tartar from gums and restore their health. If the gum disease has progressed to very deep pockets, after removing tartar the gums and root surfaces of the teeth may need to be cleaned surgically too. Having healthy, natural teeth is always better than having any artificial replacements like dental implants or crowns and bridges; and advanced gum treatments offer hope when deep gum pockets threaten to take a tooth away. 




No comments: