What is gum recession and periodontal pockets?

Question

I've read about it but do the gums recede between your teeth or do they recede above and below the teeth. Same thing with the the pockets. Where are they and how do I know if I have them. I was at the dentist a month ago, and he said my gums were inflamed but he would have told me if I had recession or pockets around my teeth right?

Answer 1

My mother is a dental assistant first off...but gum recession can some from actually brushing your teeth too hard or not flossing enough. The gum line recedes away from the tooth/teeth and sags which forms the periodontal pockets that you're talking about which can lead to periodontal disease. You would know if you had them because the dentist would surely tell you. He would also mention to you about the recession of your gums.

Answer 2

He should tell you but while it urks me to know this...some dont. Just because your gums are inflamed does not mean that you have gingivitis or periodontitis but it is a symptom of those. Recession is when the gums recede away from the teeth which can be easily visible depending on the severity of your case. Pockets however are measured in a dental office with an instrument called a perio probe, anything from 1-3 mm is healthy but 4 and up is not. If you have pockets of 4mm or more typically the doctor will recommend a quad scaling/root planing or "deep cleaning" where the dentist or hygienist will numb you and scale underneath your gums to remove tartar and debris and help tighten the gums and reduce the pocketing. If you are unsure whether you need this type of treatment go back to your dentist and ask, or go elsewhere for a second opinion. If you are in need of treatment, sooner is better than later because periodontal disease causes bone loss which can lead to loss of teeth because the bone is what holds the teeth in place.