How Do You Irrigate Gum Pockets?

May 5, 2022

There are places where your toothbrush and dental pik cannot reach, and the food remains that stick between your teeth and gum line can lead to the formation of plaque. Plaque is formed when the bacteria in your mouth mixes with food remains, and if left untreated, it hardens, forming tartar. When tartar forms in your teeth, it becomes challenging to effectively brush and floss your teeth. This is why it is recommended to look for pocket irrigation near you so that your dentist can remove plaque before it progresses to tartar that is harmful to your teeth and gums.

There are benefits of professional dental cleaning like pocket irrigation and this article looks at what pocket irrigation is, its benefits, and why it is necessary to go for gum irrigation.

What Is Pocket Irrigation?

Pocket irrigation is a procedure to remove plaque between your teeth and under the gum line regions. This prevents the hardening of plaque which can lead to tartar. When left untreated, tartar causes tooth decay, gradually leading to tooth loss. This is because tartar is acidic, and therefore the acid will eat through the enamel, causing cavities. These cavities are what can lead to tooth loss.

In addition to removing tartar, pocket irrigation is done to prevent the progression of periodontal disease. This is vital because when periodontal disease is left untreated, it can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and gum and bone tissue recession.

When you visit the dental office in Scripps Ranch, you will find that other dental treatments are performed with pocket irrigation. For instance, your dentist can recommend pocket reduction surgery. The surgery removes subgingival plaque and tartar, where the dentist uses root planning and special scaling equipment. After the plaque is removed, an antimicrobial gel is applied as an oral irrigator. The oral irrigator removes any remaining bacteria in your mouth.

It is important to note that pocket irrigation can be performed at home as a daily oral routine using a water pik or water jet. Using a water jet to flush out the plaque is less harmful to the soft tissues around your gums than using a string of dental floss. Nevertheless, visiting the dental office in Scripps Ranch for professional tooth cleaning is vital, and home pocket irrigation should not substitute the visit to your dentist.

Is Gum Irrigation Necessary?

Yes, this dental irrigation procedure is vital for removing food particles, plaque, and debris that builds up where your toothbrush cannot reach. Here are some benefits of gum irrigation.

The first benefit of gum irrigation is interdental cleaning. When the dentist uses pocket irrigators, they remove the hidden food particles and debris between your gum line and teeth. The benefit of this is that it not only keeps your gum tissue healthy but also prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

After gum irrigation, the dentist applies an antimicrobial agent to your gums. This agent removes and prevents the growth of harmful oral bacteria. Moreover, the antimicrobial agent applied is combined with water making effective treatment for pocket irrigation.

Another benefit of subgingival cleaning is that it eliminates the risk of tissue damage. The pocket irrigators have a rounded tip that removes food particles under the gum line. In addition, the pocket irrigator’s side port cleans extensively, flushing out toxic bacteria, food particles, and debris under the gum line. These harmful bacteria can cause gum disease.

Foul breath is a common oral issue that prevents you from enjoying your daily life. Thanks to gum irrigation, your dentist removes food particles that have stuck in between for some time. This is through pocket irrigators which can flush out stuck food particles effectively by removing the debris below and above the gum line.

Periodontal disease results when gingivitis is left untreated. This disease is caused when you don’t brush and floss your teeth effectively and regularly. Periodontal disease causes bleeding gums. This is due to food debris stuck in between your teeth and gum line for a long period without being removed. If you notice blood in your gum line, visit Scripps Poway Dental Care in Sorrento Valley, and our dentists will stop the bleeding, perform gum irrigation and restore your teeth and smile.