The gingival sulcus is the natural space found between the tooth and the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth, known as the free gingiva. Flossing between your teeth removes plaque and food from the gingival sulcus.
During a dental examination, the dentist or dental hygienist may use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus; this is to determine the health of the gums and measure the extent of bone loss as a result from advanced periodontal disease.
Healthy gums generally have a sulcus depth that may range anywhere from 1 to 3mm. Sulcus depths greater than 3mm occur in patients that have varying degrees of periodontal disease. This is referred to as a periodontal pocket.
Sulcus
Periodontal Pocket
