Gum Disease - Keeping Pockets Clean?!
Question: So, I went to the dentist today for the first time in like 9yrs. I am embarrassed to say that but Hey!NO Cavities! sweet!
Anyway, I have gum disease which i was aware of. My pockets are deeper then I thought (some 6s) and I was wondering after I have the scaling done how do you keep the pockets clean? I know I will need to floss more diligently, but what about food that gets deep in there? Is there a rinse of some kind that helps? Would I need to go get a deep cleaning frequently? I forgot to ask my dentist these questions, thought maybe some one here could help me out. Thanks!
Answers: So, I went to the dentist today for the first time in like 9yrs. I am embarrassed to say that but Hey!NO Cavities! sweet!
Anyway, I have gum disease which i was aware of. My pockets are deeper then I thought (some 6s) and I was wondering after I have the scaling done how do you keep the pockets clean? I know I will need to floss more diligently, but what about food that gets deep in there? Is there a rinse of some kind that helps? Would I need to go get a deep cleaning frequently? I forgot to ask my dentist these questions, thought maybe some one here could help me out. Thanks!
Your dentist may put you on a more frequent recall schedule (3 or 4 months rather than every 6). Also, daily brushing and flossing cannot be underestimated! The calculus under your gumline forms from the biofilm (plaque) ABOVE the gumline. Therefore, if you do a really good job removing it, it won't get back under your gums. (I don't want to get too technical on you... sorry). About the waterpick, some patients like them but please be aware that you can actually do MORE damage to your gingiva by using it improperly. The most common issue is people turning them on full strength... this causes even deeper pockets, which will eventually lead to recession of the gums. Also, you can ask the dentist about a chlorhexadine rinse, but he may not think it's necessary because you'll be amazed at the results that just correctly brushing and flossing will bring! Good luck...
I have the same thing (and the same size pockets actually) and all I can say is WATERPIK!! It helps so much! After brushing and flossing, you would be surprised at what is still there-it's gross how much is left behind. When I went for my last root planing after using it for a few months, they told me I had helped myself a LOT and they were impressed with how clean my gums were! I use warm water, but you can put rinses in there, too. I was also advised not to use any rinses with alcohol as this can irritate, so I use either Biotene or the green A.C.T. Hope that helps and good luck!
(Also if you get the pockets irritated, warm salt water has saved many of my days. )
If you brush twice a day, floss daily and go to the dentist every 6 months (like everyone is supposed to) I think you'll be fine. O yea and don't forget the listerine peroxide rinse. By keeping good habits like that MOST of your pockets will raise to normal levels. Maybe like the guy said get a water pick for the super deep pockets........