What Gum Scores Represent
Dental professionals assess gum health during routine check-ups using Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) or Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). This assessment divides the mouth into six sections, or sextants, and uses a specialized probe to measure the sulcus or pocket depth. Each sextant receives a score from 0 to 4, indicating gum health.
A score of 0 signifies healthy gums: no bleeding, no calculus (tartar), and shallow probing depths (less than 3.5 millimeters). A score of 1 indicates mild inflammation with bleeding upon probing, but no calculus or deep pockets. Scores of 3 and 4 suggest advanced gum conditions, with deeper pockets and potential bone loss, requiring extensive treatment. These scores guide dental professionals in determining necessary care.
Implications of a Score of 2
A gum score of 2 indicates mild gum inflammation, or gingivitis, which is reversible. This score is assigned when bleeding occurs upon probing, along with calculus (hardened plaque or tartar). Calculus provides a rough surface where bacteria accumulate, further irritating gum tissues.
With a score of 2, bleeding and calculus are present, but there are no significant deep pockets. Probing depths are shallow, typically less than 3.5 millimeters, and the black band on the dental probe remains visible. This indicates the inflammation has not yet destroyed underlying bone or connective tissues supporting the teeth.
The most common causes contributing to a gum score of 2 are inadequate oral hygiene practices. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not regularly and thoroughly removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into calculus. This calculus then irritates the gum line, leading to the inflammation and bleeding observed with a score of 2. Addressing these factors is crucial because, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, which involve irreversible damage to the bone and supporting structures of the teeth.
Steps to Improve Gum Health
Improving a gum score of 2 involves diligent home care and professional dental interventions. The goal is to remove bacterial plaque and calculus, as this level of gum disease is reversible. Consistent oral hygiene practices at home are fundamental.
Daily brushing should be performed at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close attention to the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate. Flossing daily is equally important, as it removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth and further support gum health.
Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove calculus that cannot be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone. For a score of 2, a standard dental cleaning, often referred to as scaling, is typically recommended to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. In some cases, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be advised if the calculus extends further or if pocket depths approach 4 millimeters. Regular dental visits allow for ongoing monitoring and professional guidance, which are important for maintaining healthy gums and preventing the progression of gum disease.