Which score on the BPE represents moderate periodontitis?

The Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) scoring system is used to assess the periodontal health of patients. A score of 4 indicates the presence of moderate periodontitis. This score is assigned when there are probing depths of 4 to 5 mm in the periodontal pockets, reflecting more significant attachment loss and potential periodontal disease than what is represented by lower scores.

In this context, a score of 4 suggests the need for further investigation and potential treatment, as it indicates that the individual may be experiencing moderate periodontitis, where some clinical attachment loss has occurred and there may be signs of inflammation. It emphasizes the necessity for a more detailed periodontal assessment beyond the BPE to determine treatment options.

Other scores on the BPE represent different levels of periodontal health or disease. A score of 2 indicates bleeding on probing with no significant pocket depth, showing less concern for periodontal disease. A score of 3 suggests probing depths of 3 to 4 mm, indicating mild periodontal disease but not yet reaching the level of moderate disease. A score of 0 represents no periodontal disease and healthy gums. Thus, a score of 4 effectively captures the characteristics associated with moderate periodontitis.