A gum check, also known as a gum examination, is a dental procedure where a dentist assesses the health of your gums. This involves looking for signs of inflammation and measuring the spaces around your teeth.
What Happens During a Gum Check?
During a gum check, a dentist performs a visual inspection of your gums and uses a specialized tool to measure the pocket depths. Here's a breakdown:
- Visual Examination:
- The dentist will look for redness, swelling, or bleeding in the gums, which are signs of inflammation.
- Probing:
- The dentist will use a tiny ruler called a "probe" to gently measure the pockets around each tooth.
- This measurement indicates the depth of the space between the gum and the tooth.
Why is Measuring the Pockets Important?
The depth of the pockets around your teeth can tell a lot about your gum health. In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is typically:
- 1 to 3 millimeters. This indicates a healthy gumline with minimal separation.
Measurements exceeding 3mm may indicate gum disease and the dentist may decide on further testing.
Why are Gum Checks Done?
Gum checks are performed to:
- Detect Gum Disease: Early detection of gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Monitor Gum Health: Regular checks allow dentists to monitor and track changes in gum health over time.
- Prevent Complications: Address any issues in a timely manner to help avoid potential complications such as tooth loss.
Benefits of Routine Gum Checks
- Early Intervention: Early detection allows for less invasive treatment methods.
- Preventative Care: Regular checks help to implement proactive measures.
- Improved Oral Health: Contributes to the overall health and well-being of your mouth.
