What is a Bleeding Score?
A Bleeding Score is a measure of how many areas the gums bleed when they are examined by a qualified hygienist, dental therapist or dentist using a blunt dental probe called a BPE probe.
How is a Bleeding Score recorded?
Each tooth is divided into four parts (as shown in the diagram).
If the margin of gum around that part of the tooth bleeds when the blunt dental probe touches it, a score of 1 is assigned. No bleeding is given a zero score.
All the scores are then added up to give a total Bleeding Score, as a percentage. Here we are using the colour red instead of a 1 to show bleeding.
What is a good Bleeding Score?
A total bleeding score of 10% or less is ideal. So, if you have 28 teeth, and each tooth is divided into four parts your hygienist will measure all 112 sections. If 11 areas or less bleed on probing then you’re doing an excellent job of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
For smokers, a Bleeding Score cannot give a reliable record as smoking reduces the blood-flow to the gums and therefore does not give a true reflection of their health.
How can I improve my Bleeding Score?
1. Effective oral hygiene cleaning at home.
That means….
Brushing with a toothbrush that is still in good condition. If the bristles are splayed then it’s time to get a new toothbrush!
Brushing along the gumline where the tooth meets the gum.
Brushing for at least three minutes, although four is better.
Cleaning in between your teeth daily with an interdental brush or floss, or a water flosser
2. Regularly seeing a hygienist
Diet, frequency of toothbrushing, saliva production and general health can all impact on how quickly you might end up with hardened tartar on your teeth. Only a trained dental professional can remove this hardened plaque safely.
Not only this, they act as a motivator and someone who has you back when it comes to your oral health. In the same way we keep going to the same exercise class or personal trainer, they keep us motivated in doing the best we can at home.
3. Try to give up smoking and vaping
It can be very difficult to stop smoking and vaping so find support is important. Here are some links to helpful website plus a local support group who may be able to help
https://smokefree.gov/quit-vaping-resources
Why does it really matter to me as a patient?
Gums that bleed on brushing and/or cleaning interdentally, or when being examined by a dental professional indicate they are not in optimal health.
If caught early, unhealthy gums can be restored to good health with excellent cleaning at home and at your dental practice by having regular appointments with your hygienist.
In the worst case, unhealthy gums can lead to an irreversible condition called periodontitis, which is sometimes referred to as gum disease. This is where teeth become wobbly and can fall out. The bacteria involved in gum disease can cause bad-breath. With the regular care and treatment from a hygienist, some gum disease can be stabilised with dental treatment, alongside consistent and excellent dental care at home.
If you are worried about bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, or bad-breath then make an appointment to see your dentist or your hygienist and let them know your concerns.
So where do I go from here?
We’re here to help if you’re experiencing any of the above. Or, if you have a regular dentist/ hygienist then get in touch to make an appointment.