Yeah, I’ve noticed my numbers bounce around too, and honestly, it drives me nuts. One year I was told I needed a deep cleaning “yesterday,” and the next time, a different hygienist barely mentioned anything. I started wondering if I was just getting lucky with one person’s technique or if my gums were actually changing that much.
I did start asking them to show me the chart, like you mentioned, and sometimes they’d say a 4, but when I’d go back and ask for a re-check, it’d be a 3 or even a 2. I think there’s a little bit of subjectivity in how hard they poke or how dry your mouth is that day. Plus, I swear my gums are way puffier if I’ve been slacking on flossing for a week, but if I’m on top of it, things look better.
I totally get the confusion, especially when you’re trying to avoid paying for something super expensive unless it’s 100% necessary. I’ve started keeping track of my own numbers in my notes app, just so I have a record. Not sure if it helps, but at least I feel like I have a bit more control.
That’s wild, I’ve had almost the exact same thing happen—one hygienist flagged a bunch of 4s and freaked me out about “early gum disease,” then six months later, a different person barely mentioned anything. I started wondering if they just have different pressure or technique. I also track my numbers in my phone now, mostly to keep tabs if they start pushing expensive treatments. It’s kind of annoying how subjective it all feels. I do think flossing makes a difference, but sometimes I get paranoid that it’s more about who’s holding the probe than my actual gums.
I started wondering if they just have different pressure or technique. I also track my numbers in my phone now, mostly to keep tabs if they start pushing expensive treatments. It’s kind of annoying how subjective it all feels.
Honestly, you nailed it with the “subjective” part. I’ve had the same thing—one hygienist acts like my gums are a ticking time bomb, next time it’s “looks great, keep brushing!” and I’m like, did my mouth magically heal itself or is this just dental roulette?
I started keeping a note on my phone too, partly because I don’t trust myself to remember what they said, and partly because I want to see if there’s any actual pattern or if it’s just who’s wielding the pokey stick that day. Sometimes I swear they’re more aggressive with the probe when they’re running behind schedule. Like, okay, can we not rush-jab my gums because you’re late for lunch?
And yeah, flossing does help—at least for me—but even then, sometimes I’ll floss religiously and still get a “4” or a “watch that area.” Other times I’ve slacked off and nobody says a word. It makes you wonder if there’s some secret hygienist code for “let’s scare them into buying the special rinse today.”
I get why people get anxious about gum checkups. There’s so much variability. The numbers feel official but honestly, half the time it feels like getting graded by a substitute teacher who’s making up the rules as they go.
My only tip is: keep tracking your own numbers (like you’re already doing), and if someone pushes an expensive treatment out of nowhere, ask questions. Most of the time, if you say you want to wait and see or get a second opinion, they back off pretty fast. Doesn’t hurt to remind them you’re paying attention.
And hey, at least we’re both on top of our oral health... even if it feels like we’re playing dental bingo half the time.
The inconsistency drives me nuts too. I’ve had different hygienists use way more force with the probe, and my numbers jump all over the place. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just a difference in technique or if my gums are really that moody. Have you ever brought your tracking up during an appointment? Curious if they take it seriously or just brush it off.
I totally get what you mean—my numbers have gone up and down too, depending on who’s doing the check. I once mentioned it, and they just said “it’s normal to see some variation,” but honestly, it felt like a brush-off. I wish they’d be more consistent with technique.
