A periodontal pocket is the space that develops between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue when gum disease is present. In a healthy mouth, the gums fit snugly against the teeth, leaving very little space for bacteria to hide. When the gums become inflamed or infected, they begin to pull away, creating deeper pockets where plaque and tartar accumulate.
To assess the health of your gums, a dentist uses a tool called a periodontal probe. This is a thin, calibrated instrument that is gently inserted into the space between the tooth and gum. The dentist measures the depth of this space in millimetres at several points around each tooth. These measurements provide a clear picture of how much support the tooth has lost.
Healthy gum pockets typically measure between one and three millimetres. If the measurements are four millimetres or deeper, it usually indicates that gum disease is present and that the supporting structures may be under threat. Deep pockets are difficult to clean with a standard toothbrush, which often leads to the progression of the disease if professional intervention is not sought.
Regular monitoring of these measurements allows your dentist to track the success of treatments and the stability of your oral health over time. If you are concerned about your gum health, a registered dentist can perform a full periodontal examination. Understanding these numbers is a key step in managing gum disease and preventing future tooth loss in the Indian population.