Sitting in a dentist’s chair is a familiar experience for most people. During a routine check-up, it is common to feel slight pressure as the dentist gently pokes around the gums, all while calling out a series of numbers to the dental assistant.
You may have found yourself wondering, “Why is the dentist poking my gums? What does it mean when they say ‘two’?” This is not random, but part of a standard and important procedure known as gum probing.
In this article, you will learn what gum probing is, how the procedure works, what the numbers mean, who should receive this examination, and why it plays a key role in maintaining your overall dental hygiene.
What Is Gum Probing?
Gum probing is a standard dental procedure used to assess the health of your gums and supporting tissues. It involves the use of a small, specialised instrument called a periodontal probe. This is a thin, calibrated tool with a blunt tip designed to gently explore the space between your teeth and gums. These spaces are referred to as gum pockets.
The purpose of gum probing is to detect early signs of gum disease by measuring the depth of these pockets. This simple yet essential examination allows your dentist to monitor your gum health over time and take preventive or corrective action as needed.
How The Procedure Works
During a dental check-up, your dentist or dental hygienist will use the periodontal probe to gently glide along the gum line of each tooth, inserting the probe into the natural space between the gum and tooth at several points. The probe is marked in millimetres, enabling accurate and consistent measurement.
As the probe is placed into each gum pocket, the practitioner will call out a number that corresponds to the depth in millimetres. This is what it means when your dentist utters “two”, “three” or another number. It is a real-time recording of the gum pocket depth to help identify any areas of concern.
Depths of
- 1 to 3 mm: This range is considered healthy. The gums are snug against the teeth with no sign of deep inflammation or detachment.
- 4 mm: This may indicate early signs of gingivitis or mild inflammation and is often a sign that more thorough oral hygiene is needed.
- 5 to 6 mm: Pockets of this depth suggest moderate periodontal disease and possible bone loss.
- 7 mm and above: These readings are considered severe and may indicate advanced periodontitis, where significant bone loss and tissue damage have occurred.
These measurements give your dental team valuable insight into your gum health, allowing them to track changes over time and tailor your care accordingly.
What To Expect During The Procedure: Why The Poking Is Necessary
Although the idea of having your gums “poked” may sound uncomfortable, gum probing is typically quick and minimally invasive. Most patients experience only slight pressure as the probe is inserted into the gum pocket, but some tenderness may be felt if the gums are already inflamed or sensitive.
The probing is necessary because it is one of the most reliable ways to detect gum disease in its earliest stages, often before visible symptoms appear. Without probing, deeper pockets of inflammation could go unnoticed until the damage becomes more difficult and costly to manage. By routinely measuring gum pockets, dentists can identify issues early and take the necessary steps to protect your oral health.
Who Should Get Gum Probing?
Gum probing is recommended for nearly everyone as part of a routine dental examination, especially adults. Even if you brush and floss daily, gum disease can develop quietly, with little to no discomfort in its early stages. Probing helps detect subtle changes that may not be visible to the eye.
Those at higher risk should pay special attention to gum health. This includes individuals who:
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Suffer from diabetes or other conditions that affect immunity
If you fall into any of these categories or if it has been a while since your last dental visit, your dentist may recommend probing at more frequent intervals to ensure any potential problems are caught early.
Tandara Dental Centre: The Leading Dentist In Gosnells
Gum probing may seem like a small part of your dental appointment, but it plays a powerful role in safeguarding your smile. By measuring the depth of your gum pockets, your dentist can detect early signs of disease, create a personalised treatment plan and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
At Tandara Dental Centre, we understand the value of having healthy teeth and gums. We are here to help you achieve that million-dollar smile by minimising discomfort and ensuring accurate results during every examination.
So the next time you are in the chair and hear the numbers “two” or “three” being called out, you will know exactly what is going on and just how valuable that information really is.
Looking to take control of your oral health? Book a dental check-up today!
