A “gum score,” known professionally as a periodontal probing depth, is a measurement taken by a dental professional to assess the health of the tissues supporting your teeth. These scores are recorded in millimeters and indicate the depth of the sulcus, the small groove between the tooth and the gum line. Healthy scores show that the gum tissue is firmly attached to the tooth, while deeper scores flag an active infection and tissue detachment. The measurement of 6mm is a significant reading that points to a serious stage of gum disease, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Understanding the Significance of a 6mm Gum Score
A measurement of 6 millimeters indicates moderate to advanced periodontitis. Healthy gum tissue typically has a probing depth between 1 and 3 millimeters, representing a shallow space easily cleaned with daily brushing and flossing. Once the depth reaches 4 millimeters or more, it signifies that the gum has detached from the tooth root, forming a periodontal pocket.
A 6mm score means the disease has progressed significantly, involving notable loss of gum attachment and likely underlying bone support. Harmful bacteria and their toxins accumulate in this deep pocket, forming calcified deposits known as calculus or tartar. Since a toothbrush or dental floss cannot effectively clean a 6mm depth, the infection worsens. This level of disease can result in symptoms such as gum recession, increased tooth mobility, and eventually, tooth loss if left untreated.
The Process of Periodontal Measurement
The scores are obtained using a specialized instrument called a periodontal probe, which has millimeter markings. The dental professional gently inserts the probe into the space between the tooth and the gum until it meets the base of the attached tissue. This measurement reflects the distance from the top edge of the gum margin to the base of the attachment.
The probing process is performed at six specific sites around every tooth to create a comprehensive map of the patient’s gum health. The clinician also notes whether the gums bleed upon probing, indicating active inflammation. Scores of 1–3mm are considered healthy, 4–5mm often indicates early disease or gingivitis, and scores of 6mm and above point to a more severe stage of periodontitis.
Immediate Professional Treatment for Pockets of 6mm
The presence of 6mm pockets necessitates professional intervention to halt the progression of periodontitis. The standard initial procedure is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), often called a deep cleaning. This non-surgical therapy removes plaque, bacterial toxins, and hard calculus deposits from the root surfaces below the gum line.
Root planing involves smoothing the tooth root surfaces to eliminate rough areas where bacteria adhere. The goal is to shrink the pocket depth by allowing the inflamed gum tissue to heal and reattach to the clean root surface. A local antibiotic medication may be placed directly into the 6mm pocket following SRP to reduce the bacterial load and aid healing.
If a 6mm pocket does not show significant improvement after initial SRP, a referral to a periodontist for surgical options is recommended. These advanced treatments may include pocket reduction surgery, where the gum tissue is temporarily folded back for thorough cleaning of deeper bone defects. Regenerative procedures may also be considered to regrow lost bone and tissue.
Preventing Further Progression and Maintaining Health
Following professional treatment for 6mm pockets, the responsibility shifts to patient maintenance. Effective daily home care includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush, focusing on cleaning along the gum line. Daily flossing or the use of interdental brushes is necessary to disrupt bacterial colonies between teeth.
Patients with a history of deep pockets are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule, usually involving professional cleanings every three to four months. These frequent visits allow the dental team to remove recurring tartar buildup and prevent the infection from reactivating. Managing systemic health conditions also plays a role, as uncontrolled diabetes or tobacco use can compromise the body’s ability to fight gum infection.