Periodontal diseases are infections of the tissue and bone that support teeth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a sulcus, commonly referred to as a "pocket." During your regular dental visits, these pockets are measured for depth. Healthy gum tissue will have pockets measuring three millimeters or less. However, periodontal diseases infect the tissue and bone that support teeth and infected tissue can measure much higher. The more severe the infections, the larger the pocket becomes, allowing more harmful bacteria to grow, making it increasingly more difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. When this condition is not managed properly, patients experience progressive loss of tissue, bone, and eventually teeth.