What is a key clinical measurement during a periodontal examination?

During a periodontal examination, one of the key clinical measurements is tooth mobility. This assessment helps in evaluating the health status of the periodontal tissues and determining how well the teeth are anchored in the alveolar bone. Tooth mobility can indicate the presence of periodontal disease, the condition of the supporting structures, and the extent of attachment loss, providing insights into the severity of the periodontal condition.

Tooth mobility is assessed by applying gentle pressure to the tooth in multiple directions and determining the degree of movement. Increased mobility can suggest underlying issues such as inflammation, bone loss, or trauma, which are critical for diagnosing periodontal disease and planning appropriate treatment.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not serve as direct indicators of periodontal health. Chewing efficiency is more related to functional aspects of occlusion and dental health rather than periodontal integrity. Tongue movement pertains to soft tissue functionality and is not assessed in periodontal evaluations. Salivary flow rate can be relevant for broader oral health assessments, especially concerning xerostomia, but does not specifically measure periodontal condition. Thus, tooth mobility emerges as the most crucial measurement during a periodontal examination.