Understanding the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE)

The BPE is a dental screening tool used to assess the health of your gums. It's quick, simple, and effective in identifying gum disease or potential oral health issues. Your dentist or hygienist uses a small, specially designed probe to measure the health of your gums across six dental areas, three in the upper jaw and three in the lower jaw. Each area is given a score based on the depth of the gum pockets and the presence 

Healthy gums mean a healthier mouth and body. Regular BPE checks help spot signs of gum disease early before they escalate into serious problems like tooth loss or systemic health issues such as heart disease or diabetes. BPE codes are assigned during an examination and range from 0 to 4, with an additional star (*) used in some cases. 

Code 0  

Code 0 indicates healthy gums. The gum pockets do not exceed 3.5mm in depth. This means your gums are healthy without any bleeding or visible tartar. There is no treatment necessary. 

Code 1  

Code 1 gums are healthy, but many need treatment. The gum depth must remain under 3.5mm for a healthy outlook. Some patients may have bleeding gums when probed but will not have tartar. We recommend improved oral hygiene, focusing on brushing and flossing techniques.

Code 2  

Code 2 gums may require specialised dental treatment. At this stage, gum depth is still below 3.5mm, but tartar and plaque are detected. We recommend professional cleaning to remove tartar and improved at-home care.

Code 3  

Code 3 gums are getting into unhealthy territory. The pockets measure 3.5mm–5.5mm in depth. Plaque and tartar extend into the pocket, potentially causing mild gum disease. Recommended treatment includes a deeper professional cleaning and possibly additional follow-up tests.

Code 4  

Code 4 gums may indicate advanced gum disease. The gum pockets are deeper than 5.5mm with possible bone loss and risk of tooth damage. The recommended treatment is specialist gum therapy, or a referral to a periodontist may be necessary.

Code * (Star)  

A star code indicates the presence of additional issues, such as loose teeth or furcation involvement. Specialised care is often required. If your gums are in this unhealthy of a stage, we will walk you through the process to restore your gum health.

Tips for Keeping Your Numbers Low

Our team is passionate about gum health. We offer practical tips to help maintain optimal gum health and keep your BPE as close to 0 as possible:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss or Use Interdental Brushes: Cleaning between your teeth removes plaque buildup that brushing alone can't reach.
• Visit Your Dentist and Hygienist Regularly: Routine professional cleanings can help keep plaque and tartar under control.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutritious foods can strengthen your gums and overall oral health.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

It's a well-known fact that over one-third of UK adults experience moderate gum disease. Our love for wine, tea, coffee, and cigarettes plays a significant role in this statistic. If you're a smoker, notice bleeding gums after brushing, suffer from gumboils, blisters, swelling, pain or find it difficult to chew, it's crucial to visit our dental team. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious periodontal issues in the future.

Contact Hampshire Dental Care

Hampshire Dental Care is always here to help you understand our dental jargon. The numbers your dentist calls out during a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) aren't random. They provide a snapshot of your gum health. By understanding this terminology, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy smile and catch potential issues early. If you have concerns about your gum health or want to learn more about your BPE score, don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist or hygienist. Contact us today to schedule a dental visit.