Gum Health

What Do the Numbers Mean During a Dental Exam? Understanding Your Gum Health

If you've ever been in our office for a dental cleaning and exam, you've maybe heard your hygienist calling out numbers like "3, 2, 3... 4, 3, 5," you might have wondered—what do those numbers mean? Are they good? Bad? Should you be worried?

Let’s break down what those numbers mean and what we are looking for during your checkup.

What the Numbers Represent: Periodontal Probing

The numbers you hear during your exam refer to the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. This is called periodontal probing. A small, ruler-like instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure how tightly your gums attach to your teeth.

These measurements are recorded in millimeters (mm), and each tooth has six measurement points—three on the outer side and three on the inner side.

Here’s what the numbers typically mean:

• 1–3 mm: Healthy gums. This is the ideal range.

• 4 mm: Early signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis). It may be reversible with improved home care and a professional cleaning.

• 5 mm: Moderate gum disease (periodontitis). There’s likely some bone loss, and a deeper cleaning like scaling and root planing may be needed.

• 6+ mm: Advanced periodontitis. This may indicate significant bone loss, and ongoing periodontal treatment will be required to prevent further damage.

What Else Are We Looking For?

Our hygienists aren’t just checking pocket depth. They’re also evaluating the overall health of your gums and bone support. Here’s what they’re watching for:

1. Bleeding

If your gums bleed during probing, it’s a sign of inflammation or infection. Healthy gums generally don’t bleed.

2. Gum Recession

They’ll look for areas where the gum has pulled away from the tooth, exposing more of the root. This can cause sensitivity and increase your risk of decay.

3. Tooth Mobility

Teeth that move more than normal could signal bone loss or trauma. Dr. Birch will gently check for any looseness.

4. Tartar Buildup

Even if you brush and floss regularly, tartar (hardened plaque) can accumulate below the gumline and cause inflammation. Your hygienist will check for and remove it.

5. Bone Loss (on X-rays)

X-rays may be taken to assess the level of bone that supports your teeth. Loss of bone structure is a key indicator of periodontal disease.

Why It Matters

Gum health isn't just about keeping your mouth clean—it’s about your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. Catching problems early allows for easier and more effective treatment.

What You Can Do at Home

To keep those numbers low and your gums healthy:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We recommend setting a 2 minute timer!

• Floss at least once a day

• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse if we've recommended one to you.

• Stay consistent with dental visits (usually every 6 months—or more if you have gum disease)

Final Thoughts

Next time you hear numbers during your exam, you’ll know exactly what they mean. And if your hygienist lets out a “great job!” after reading your measurements, you can feel good knowing your gums are in top shape. If the numbers are higher than you'd like, don’t worry—we are here to help you get back on track.

Have questions about your gum health? Schedule a visit and let’s take a closer look together. Your smile is worth it!