Why does the dentist/hygienist poke my gums?

Question: Why does the dentist or hygienist periodically poke my gums when I visit their office?

Answer: Periodic periodontal assessment is recommended to evaluate the dentition. Dentists and hygienists measure the distance from top of the gums, to near the bottom of the sulcus around each tooth. Other measurements that can be taken include: amount of gum recession, bleeding, mobility of the teeth, which teeth are present, and the orientation of these teeth in relation to one another, to name a few components. Think of these periodic assessments as progress reports or report cards on the status of health or unhealthy are your teeth and/or gums.

When you visit a medical office for an exam, they have you step on a scale, think of these dental metrics as a routine benchmark to assess your current state of oral health.

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