Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed for use in detecting periodontal disease and gingivitis. The probe includes an elongage member having a distal end with the double-tapered flexible plastic tip thereon; the distal end has a first portion indicating a non-diseased condition and a second portion indicating a diseased condition, the first portion being disposed between the tip of the distal end and the second portion, the second portion being disposed adjacent to the first portion. The invention also includes a method using the dental probe for diagnosing periodontal disease and gingivitis.