Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
12. How is gum disease diagnosed?
The dentist will ask about your medical history to identify any conditions or risk factors such as smoking that may contribute to gum disease.
The dentist or hygienist will also
- examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- use a tiny ruler called a 'probe' to check for and measure any periodontal pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.
- take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
