What are pockets?

You may have heard your dentist talk about your pockets.  If they tell you you have deep pockets, they are not referring to your bank account!  

Between your teeth there is a little section of gum that rises between the teeth.  Between this section of gum and the tooth, there is a small area dentists refer to as "pockets".  When you get an exam a sharp probe is inserted between the teeth.  It is notched at each millimeter.  Each number is noted on a chart.  There are six points per tooth.  One set of three on each side:  front, middle, back.  These are measurements of your pocket depth.  Any number below three is considered good.  Any number above three is an indication that there is some gum loss.

In these pockets, bacteria can breed.  Anaerobic bacteria grow, secreting acids that etch away at your gums and your teeth.  The longer the acid stays in the area, the faster the bone loss.  To protect your teeth, you need to clean out this area on a regular basis.  You can simply flush it out with fresh water using a tool called a water pick.  Regular flossing and brushing will also help with this.