Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist and dental hygienist during routine periodontal examinations. A periodontal probe dental instrument is used to measure the space between your teeth and gums. A healthy sulcus will measure three millimeters or less, and will not bleed. The periodontal probe helps to indicate if this pocket is greater than three millimeters. Your dentist and hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility to make a diagnosis of either gingivitis or periodontitis (when probing depths exceed the normal range).

What Are The Symptoms?

• Bleeding Gums. Healthy gums should never bleed, even when brushing vigorously or flossing. Inflamed gums may appear red and puffy.
• Loose Teeth. Loose teeth are caused by the loss of bone and periodontal ligaments around the teeth (fibers that support the tooth to the bone)
• New Spaces. New spacing observed between teeth is also caused by the loss of bone
• Bad Breath. Caused by the persistent presence of bacteria in the mouth
• Receding Gums. Caused by the loss of bone, as the gums follow the bone