Tips for healthier teeth, gums and well being
Health Inspired Dentistry Blog
Preventing Tooth Loss with Dental Diagnostics...the Periodontal Probe
Monday, 19 September 2016
Wonder what we are looking for when probing your gums and why it is necessary?
A periodontal (or dental) probe is a tiny ruler, which measures in millimeters and is used to determine the health of the gums and bone that lies underneath.
The gums act like a sleeve around the tooth, creating a small natural space or crevice and when diseased, it’s referred to as a “pocket”. Usually this space is 1-3mm in a healthy mouth and allows the probe to fit comfortably. When plaque and tartar start to accumulate along the gums they initiate an inflammatory reaction, which causes an increase in the depth of the pocket to an unhealthy measurement of 4mm or above. If inflammation persists, it begins to cause breakdown of the bone underneath the gums which supports the teeth. So when we probe an inflamed pocket where bone loss has occurred, a large unhealthy pocket will be present indicating periodontal disease.
Detecting gum disease
Other indicators such as color, consistency and bleeding also help in the diagnosis of gum disease along with the evaluation of radiographs.
Radiographs and probing are necessary in combination to access the bone level and determine if your gums are healthy.
In conclusion, when a patient’s gums turn from pink to red, go from firm to spongy, we are alerted that a disease process is starting. The dental probe is an adjunctive measure used to diagnose periodontal breakdown, so we can immediately implement preventative measures in a timely fashion to prevent tooth loss.
-Jamie, Oral Wellness Hygienist
This link is a great visual of the different stages of gum disease related to probing readings: http://dallasimplant.com/wp-content/uploads/gum_disease_pocket.jpg
Recent Posts
- Healthy Mom, Health Baby!!!!
- For the Health Professional, Part 2: Gum Disease: A Serious Infection of the Body
- FDA identifies “high risk” people of dental amalgam mercury fillings
- The truth about the toxicity of amalgam (silver) fillings
- Apparently, we all need to wear night guards now
- 5 Weird Things You Didn’t know About Your Mouth!
Archives
-
2020
- For the Health Professional, Part 2: Gum Disease: A Serious Infection of the Body
- FDA identifies “high risk” people of dental amalgam mercury fillings
- The truth about the toxicity of amalgam (silver) fillings
- Apparently, we all need to wear night guards now
- 5 Weird Things You Didn’t know About Your Mouth!
- Effects of crooked teeth – and the solution!
- Healthcare professionals urging people to resume checkups
- Creating the Non-Dental Office Experience for Northeast Ohio
- Good dental health is saving Cleveland lives!
- How to whiten your teeth safely
- Healthy nasal passages create nitric oxide that is toxic to viruses
-
2018
- 12 Steps for great December digestion
- Say Yes to Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
- What kind of toothpaste should I be using?
- Why Choose a Female Dentist?
- Claudia Minadeo-Fox DDS celebrates 30 years!
- 10 tips for a flatter stomach from Cleveland Health Coach
- Why choose a woman dentist in Cleveland?
- ATTENTION ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS
- See how you can Save $1000 today!
- Is Sparkling Water Bad for My Teeth?
- Common Dental Barriers; What’s Keeping You From the Dentist
- Choosing Your Local Dentist for Botox and Dermal Fillers
- Cleveland Health Coach Thinking About Your Heart
- Breaking Habits the Right Way
- Integrative Nutrition and Health Coaching
-
2015
- GERD Effects the Health of Your Teeth
- Massage and Cold Weather
- 21 Day Meditation – Become What You Believe
- Ways to Relieve Stress and Relax Your Mind
- Interesting Facts About Vitamin D
- Interesting Facts About Massage Therapy
- The Eight Causes of Cravings
- B12 – the Vitamin for All Ages
- Sugar – the Only Cause of Tooth Decay
- Transform Your Diet Without Radically Altering Your LIfe
- Just One More Reason To Smile! Newsletter – April 2015
- Bone Loss Score May Tip Off Doctors to Gum Disease in Postmenopausal Women
- Know The Risks of Oral Cancer
- Suggestions on How to Restore Your Natural Sleep Rhythm
- Take Control of Your Heart to Take Care of Your Heart
- WHAT’S IN A KISS
- Most & Least Contaminated Produce
- Begin the New Year with a wellness routine! Be sure to include Massage!
-
2014
- 3 Ways to Enjoy Holiday Parties
- Quick and Easy Dental Hygiene
- Acid Reflux – Your Dentist May Notice Before You Do
- Happy Thanksgiving
- Skipping Dental Visits May Impact Sense of Smell
- Thank You For Attending Our “Say Ahh” Event
- 3 Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate
- Mouth Guards Prevent Dental Injuries
- What to pack in your child’s school lunch for the nutritional punch
- Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps – Holistic Health!
- SAY AHH
- Five Reasons to Scrape Your Tongue Every Day:
- Highland Heights Green Task Force
- Four Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Mouth
- Dental Health Month
- Happy New Year from Everyone on Our Team!