National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

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What is the normal probing depth for healthy gingiva?

  1. 3mm or less

  2. 4mm or less

  3. 5mm or less

  4. 6mm or less

The correct answer is: 3mm or less

The normal probing depth for healthy gingiva is 3mm or less. In a healthy periodontal environment, the gum tissue adheres tightly to the tooth structure, and the probing depths typically range from 1 to 3mm. This range indicates that there is no clinical attachment loss and the gingival tissue is healthy. When probing depths exceed 3mm, it may suggest the presence of gingival inflammation or periodontal disease, which could indicate abnormal conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Therefore, the 3mm measurement serves as a critical benchmark in dental assessments for determining periodontal health.

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