Know your numbers! Periodontal probing depths are the rode map to your gums. It can tell the doctor and I, if your periodontal disease is active or in remission. It tells me where you need to work harder, trouble areas, and where the infection is present.

1-2-3 These numbers are healthy. We all strive to have our gums within this range. We can effectively floss at 3mm. If the pockets get any deeper, than no matter how much we floss, we can not shrink these areas.

4- This usually means you need a professional cleaning and they will shrink after it’s done. Some hygienist will root plane these areas. I usually clean them and reinforce hygiene in all 4mm pockets.

5- I do not like 5mm pockets. It leads to more rapid periodontal disease. We cannot clean past 3mm, so bacteria sits under your gums and eats away at your bone level. Not all cases are rapid bone loss. In some cases patients can maintain 5mm pockets with a professional cleaning every 3-4 months. 5mm pockets like to linger around crowns. As long as there is no bleeding, they are not ideal, but they can stabilize. The moment these areas begin to bleed, infection is present, and then the areas need treated. 5mm pockets can turn to 6 mm pockets and will continue to get deeper if untreated. Periodontal disease becomes active. Active periodontal disease usually needs some root planing to clean out the infection and smooth your roots.

6,7,8- Numbers like these can lead to tooth loss rapidly. If you hear numbers this high, you might consider seeing a periodontist right a way. Laser treatment by a periodontist can bring your tissues back to health quickly and bring you back to remission.

Bleeding- any numbers with bleeding means infection, your teeth are dirty, and you need to clean these areas more. Usually this means extra flossing and using a proxabrush.

If you know your numbers, you know your teeth! Ask your hygienist what yours are…I check my patient’s problematic areas every visit.