The symptoms of gum disease are quite subtle in their early stages. Thus, you won’t be able to tell right away that you’re suffering from periodontitis. It’s up to your dentist to detect the infection in its early stages and stop it from getting any worse. This is why it is important to go for regular screenings at a local dental clinic near you. During the examination, your dentist will probe your teeth and gums for signs of tartar. They will also use a tiny ruler (called a probe) to measure the size of your gum pockets. If the pockets are deeper than 5mm, that’s considered a sign of gum disease. Your dentist may take dental x-rays for further testing.