What Do the Numbers Mean?

If you have ever experienced a full hygiene evaluation you have heard, “three-two-three, three-three-three,” and were probably wondering: what are those numbers are and why do we have to do this? Did you know that gum disease has different stages? The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The good news is that this stage can be reversed! When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis/periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when the gum attachments and bone deteriorate around your teeth.

Your dental hygienist measures the support around your teeth with a probe (as seen in the photos). A dental periodontal probe is a small, thin instrument with a rounded end that is inserted between the tooth and gum of each tooth to record a pocket depth.
The pocket measurements read as follows:

• 1mm – healthy
• 2mm – healthy
• 3mm – healthy
• 4mm – early gingivitis/inflammation/commonly bleeds easily
• 5mm – bone had begun to become affected
• 6mm and higher – disease has progressed and bone destruction continues

In advanced and prolonged stages of periodontal disease, bacteria and inflammation continue to cause damage. Loss of teeth and gum height is irreversible at this stage without surgery. Be sure to see your hygienist regularly and see how well your gums “measure” up!

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Written by: Donna Green, RDH.