What do your gum-check numbers actually mean?

You're in the dental chair. The hygienist starts calling out numbers. "3… 2… 4… 5." You nod, but you have no idea what they mean. You're not alone. Those numbers are a quick, painless measurement of your gum health. Here's what they tell your care team. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• What the numbers 1 through 5+ actually measure 

• Which numbers are healthy and which ones need attention 

• Why bleeding during the check matters 

• What your care team may do if your numbers run high 

If your last set of numbers left you with questions, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to go over your results in person. 

Why does the hygienist call out numbers? 

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), your dental team uses a tiny ruler called a probe to measure the spaces around your teeth, called pockets. The depth is measured in millimeters.¹ Those are the numbers you hear during the gum check. 

What the numbers mean 

Pocket depths generally fall into one of three ranges, and each one tells your care team something different. 

1 to 3 millimeters: healthy 

The NIDCR states that pockets between 1 and 3 millimeters fall within the healthy range.¹

4 millimeters: a closer look is needed 

A 4 millimeter pocket is deeper than the usual healthy range. The NIDCR says deeper pockets can be a sign of periodontal disease.¹ Your care team will also look at bleeding, gum recession and other findings before deciding what the number means for you. 

5 millimeters and above: concern 

Because healthy pockets are usually 1 to 3 millimeters, a 5 millimeter reading is outside that range. MedlinePlus explains that with periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that can become infected.² Your dental provider will look at the pocket depth along with other signs before recommending treatment. 

What does bleeding mean? 

Bleeding during probing can be a sign that your gums are inflamed. The American Dental Association (ADA) lists bleeding on probing, deep pockets, gum recession and loose teeth among clinical signs of periodontitis.³ One bleeding spot does not tell the whole story, so your care team looks at it together with your pocket depths and other findings. 

What happens if your numbers are high? 

Your dentist and hygienist will look at the full picture, including your pocket depths, bleeding, gum recession and other signs of gum disease. 

If you have periodontitis, the ADA says scaling and root planing is the treatment of choice for nonsurgical care. More advanced cases may require surgery to reach the root surfaces and reduce pocket depth. After treatment, periodontal maintenance helps your care team monitor pocket depth along with bleeding and other signs of gum health.³ 

What you can do at home

You don't need to wait for an appointment to start helping your gums. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. These habits reduce the buildup that deepens pockets over time. 

If your gum numbers are higher than expected, talk with your dental provider about what you can do at home and how often your gums should be checked. 

What do your gum-check numbers actually mean? FAQs  

Here are a few more questions patients ask about pocket depth numbers. 

Does the probing hurt? 

It's usually not painful. You may feel a little pressure. If any spot is tender, let your hygienist know. They can adjust. 

Can high numbers go back down? 

Yes, in some cases. Treatment and good home care can improve your gum health and may reduce pocket depth. Your dentist can tell you what's realistic for your situation. 

How often should pocket depths be checked? 

Your care team decides based on your gum health and treatment history. If you've been treated for periodontitis, you may need more frequent maintenance visits so your pocket depths and other signs can be monitored. 

Can some teeth have deeper pockets than others? 

Yes. Pocket depths can vary around your mouth. Your care team looks at all your readings together with bleeding, gum recession and other signs to understand your overall gum health. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Periodontal (Gum) Disease.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Gum Disease.” https://medlineplus.gov/gumdisease.html 

³ American Dental Association: “Periodontitis.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis