Periodontal Pockets: Cleaning & Treatment

Any type of periodontal disease treatment requires good daily care at home. The Waterpik Water Flosser is clinically proven to remove plaque and improve gum health. If you have periodontal disease (periodontitis), you may also experience periodontal pockets. Pocketing can occur if your gums break down and separate from the teeth. The pockets result in deep spaces that allow bacteria to multiply. They can cause tissue, bone, and tooth loss.

Periodontal Pocket Cleaning

Cleaning periodontal pockets can be a challenge using traditional methods. Brushing, flossing with dental floss, and rinsing are limited to how deep they can reach into a pocket.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should use a Waterpik Water Flosser throughout your entire mouth with the Classic Jet Tip, Plaque Seeker Tip, or the Orthodontic Tip. Using the Waterpik Water Flosser with these tips removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas.

To aid in keeping periodontal pockets healthy use the Pik Pocket Tip with a therapeutic mouth rinse should in addition to the Classic Jet Tip, Plaque Seeker Tip, or Orthodontic Tip. The following section provides additional details and guidance.

Periodontal Pocket Treatment

Treatment for periodontal pockets varies depending on the severity or depth of the pocket or pockets you have.

Only your dentist or periodontist can determine the best treatment for your needs. Options include periodontal pocket reduction procedures and regenerative procedures for building bone and gum tissue. In these procedures, bacteria is removed and the depth of the pocket is reduced surgically to eliminate areas where bacteria can grow. This helps the tissue re-attach to healthy bone.

Can I Waterpik with periodontal pockets

Yes, you can use a Waterpik with periodontal pockets, and it can be an effective way to clean and remove bacteria from these pockets. However, it is important to use your Waterpik correctly to avoid causing any discomfort or further damage to the gums.

Effective & Gentle Treatment At Home

For effective at-home care and to help heal periodontal pockets, many dental professionals recommend using a Waterpik Water Flosser to deliver therapeutic mouth rinses deep into periodontal pockets.

The Pik Pocket features a soft rubber tip designed for low-pressure delivery of therapeutic rinses. It gently accesses up to 90% of the depth of a 6mm pocket.

To use the Pik Pocket Tip:

• Add therapeutic mouth rinse and water to the water flosser reservoir as instructed by your dental professional.
• With the water flosser OFF, set the pressure to the lowest setting.
• Place the soft tip against the tooth at a 45-degree angle and gently place the tip under the gumline, into the pocket.
• Turn on power to irrigate the pocket.

Does water flossing push food under the gum line?

If used correctly, water flossing should not push food particles under the gum line. Instead, it can help remove food particles and debris from hard-to-reach areas, including between teeth and along the gum line.

About Therapeutic Mouth Rinses

Dental professionals often prescribe therapeutic mouth rinses as a non-surgical way to help treat gum disease and clean periodontal pockets. These prescription-only solutions typically contain the antimicrobial drug chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and include brands such as Peridex and Periogard.

Clinical research shows that Waterpik Water Flossing with 0.06% CHX and Pik Pocket Tip twice a day can significantly improve periodontal health status.