Periodontal pockets are spaces under the gum line that trap bacteria. They are a symptom of periodontitis (gum disease), which can cause tooth loss. Dentists measure periodontal pocket depth in ...

Gum disease — medically known as periodontitis — affects 47.2% of adults over age 30 in the U.S. About 8.5% of them may have severe periodontitis. Gum disease is a severe infection or inflammation of ...

Full mouth debridement (FMD) is a nonsurgical dental procedure that removes heavy plaque and tartar buildup. It helps your dentist examine teeth and gums more accurately. Scaling and root planing is a ...

A gum abscess is a pocket of infection in the gums or the space between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria may reach the area due to a dental abscess or another oral hygiene issue, such as periodontitis ...