We all are aware of our blood pressure or cholesterol score; men usually stay on top of their PSA number.

But what about our periodontal score; do you know your periodontal probing score and what it means? During your dental examination, Dr. Eric Levine or the dental hygienist will use a thin, rubber calibrated instrument to measure the depths of the gum tissue surrounding the neck of each tooth. When the tissue and bone are healthy, this measurement will be three millimeters or less.

Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque around out teeth. This plaque contains bacteria that produce harmful toxins. If this plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and pulls away from the tooth forming a space called a pocket.

These pockets provide a breeding ground for the bacteria and if this condition is not addressed the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed. Thus, this measurement indicates where you have developed pockets around your teeth and the depth of these pockets. Generally, the deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease and the more problems that may develop. At the Olney Dental Center, we measure your gum tissue at least once a year to monitor your dental health.