Gum health: Diagnosis
Diagnosing periodontal disease
Early detection of the clinical signs of periodontal disease is key to changing its course1
History taking
Assessment of your patient’s gum health profile should begin when they first walk into your consulting room – with their oral health care history being an important part of this process. It’s recommended that you ask open questions at first to allow for unbiased answers, and then move on to more specific questions about their symptoms.2
Suggested questions from the British Society of Periodontology:2
- Do your gums bleed on brushing or overnight?
- Are any of your teeth loose?
- Can you chew everything you want to?
- Do you have a bad taste or smell from your mouth?
- Do you suffer from pain, swelling, gumboils or blisters?
- Do you smoke?
- Is there anything else you would like to tell me?
Patient history should include any possible risk factors for periodontal disease.
Screening for periodontal disease with the Basic Periodontal Examination
The Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) is a simple screening tool to identify periodontal clinical needs. First developed by the British Society of Periodontology in 1986, the BPE was most recently updated in 2016.2,3
- The BPE divides the dentition into six sections – ‘sextants’2,3
- All teeth in each sextant are examined and scored with a code, which is entered onto a score grid2,3
- A WHO 621 probe with a 0.5mm diameter ‘ball point’ at its tip is used for the examination2,3
The BPE scoring codes3
BPE CODE 0
No bleeding after probingNo pocketing over 3.5mmNo calculus/overhangsBlack band completely visible
BPE CODE 1
Bleeding after probingNo pocketing over 3.5mmNo calculus/overhangsBlack band completely visible
BPE CODE 2
Bleeding after probingNo pocketing over 3.5mmSupra- or subgingival calculusBlack band completely visible
BPE CODE 3
Pocketing between 3.5mm and 5.5mmSupra- or subgingival calculusBlack band partially visible
BPE CODE 4
Pocketing over 5.5mmBlack band entirely within the pocket
BPE CODE *
Furcation involvementBoth the number and the * should be recorded if a furcation is detected
Interpreting BPE scoring codes2
The British Society of Periodontology provides the following guidance for interpreting BPE scores:2
| BPE code | Guidance | Special investigations | Periodontal reassessment |
| 0 | No need for periodontal treatment | None indicated | Repeat BPE at next check-up appointment |
| 1 | Oral hygiene instruction (OHI) | Plaque and bleeding charts | Repeat BPE at next check-up appointment |
| 2 | As for Code 1, plus removal of plaque-retentive factors, including all supra- and subgingival calculus | Plaque and bleeding charts | Repeat BPE at next check-up appointment |
| 3 | As for Code 2 with root surface debridement (RSD) if required |
|
Periodontal charting of sextants scoring 3, after initial therapy |
| 4 | OHI, RSD. Assess the need for more complex treatment; referral to a specialist may be indicated |
|
Full periodontal charting before and after treatment |
| * | Treat according to BPE Code (0–4). Assess the need for more complex treatment; referral to a specialist may be indicated |
|
Full periodontal charting before and after treatment |
Table adapted from British Society of Periodontology, 20162
Detailed periodontal charting
Patients with BPE codes of 3, 4 and * require detailed periodontal charting. Six-point pocket charts should record probing depth and bleeding on probing (as well as recession, mobility and furcation involvement), at a minimum of all sites ≥4mm and bleeding on probing.2
Detailed periodontal charting
Radiographs form an essential part of periodontal assessment and diagnosis, and can aid in determining the prognosis of specific teeth. Viewing the morphology of affected teeth and the extent of alveolar bone loss is also important for long-term management of patients impacted by periodontitis.2
Radiographic exposures should be:2
- In views based on the patient’s individual presentation
- Clinically justified
- Of suitable quality to provide a clear benefit to the patient
Radiographs show features of the periodontium on a horizontal bitewing film2
A brief overview of a full diagnosis
The flowchart above is a brief overview of the elements of a full diagnosis, as outlined in The Good Practitioners Guide to Periodontology. A full patient history profile should be investigated alongside this process, including identification of any systemic disease that could be associated with periodontitis.2
Help your patients on their journey to optimal gum health
Causes and mechanisms
Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind periodontal disease.
Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact periodontal disease has on patients’ daily lives.
