Gum Care
Probing depth
Probing depth is the measurement, in millimeters, of the space between the gum and the tooth, taken with a thin probe during a gum exam.
During a gum exam, the hygienist or dentist slides a thin ruler called a probe gently into the space around each tooth. The reading is the probing depth. NIDCR says that in a healthy mouth the pockets around the teeth are usually between 1 and 3 millimeters, and that deeper pockets can be a sign of periodontal disease. The numbers are written down, usually for six spots on each tooth. Over time, they show whether gum health is steady, better, or worse. The exam may feel a little tender if the gums are inflamed. Probing depth is a key part of periodontal charting. See periodontal pocket and our page on periodontal care.
Related terms
- Periodontal pocket
- Periodontal charting
- Bleeding on probing
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Periodontitis