Diagnosis

Both dentists and dental hygienists are trained to diagnose periodontal disease, and this screening is included as a part of regular dental cleanings. The dentist or dental hygienist will use a periodontal probe, a small dental instrument, to gently measure the depth of the pocket between the teeth and the gums, known as the sulcus. If healthy, the depth will be around three millimeters and will not bleed with probing. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets will become deeper, and the bleeding will become more severe. The dentist or hygienist can use this information to diagnose the presence of periodontal disease and determine its severity.

There are three basic levels of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis: The first stage of periodontal disease in which the toxins created by plaque irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
• Periodontitis: Plaque becomes tartar, building up and causing the gums to recede from the teeth. The pockets between the teeth and the gums deepen and fill with bacteria, increasing both the irritation and inflammation of the gums. Bleeding is now common, and bone loss may be present.
• Advanced Periodontitis: The deterioration of gum tissue, bone structure, and periodontal ligaments has become severe. Without treatment, loose teeth will soon be lost.