“What causes pockets around teeth?”

For most people, the primary cause is bacteria.

I am glad you are interested in your gum health. Increases in pocket depth are usually caused by infection of the gums. Sometimes with treatment, the depth can be lowered some. Other times treatment can be used to prevent an increase of pocket depth. An important factor you have direct control over is daily, through cleaning between your teeth to treat and/or stop your gum infection. Sawing the floss between the teeth and then cleaning each side with an up and down motion is best. Think of rubbing a dirty dish with a dish cloth. Daily use of stannous fluoride gel, or a rinse prescribed by your dentist can help as well. With strict attention to these items, the bacteria in your mouth will gradually change. The new bacteria are less apt to cause gum damage. The same factors that affect your resistance to infection, can affect your resistance to gum infection. For instance, smoking greatly elevates your risk of increased pocket depth. Additional excellent information on keeping your teeth and gums healthy can be found in the book: GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD, SECRETS FROM A WISE OLD DOC. If you do not want to floss all your teeth, at least keep the areas between the teeth you want to keep very clean.

Periodontal disease is a gum infection that causes pockets to form around the teeth where bacteria and a calcified mass known as calculus builds up. A full set of xrays and full mouth deep cleaning is needed as soon as possible. Since this disease is not painful, it could go on for a while before the person realizes there is a problem. Therefore, some teeth may be beyond the point of recovery and may need to be removed.

Periodontal pockets can be genetic or a consequence of poor oral hygiene and tooth loss.