To check if a patient may have gum disease, a quick test, the Basic Periodontal Exam (BPE), is used routinely in clinical practice. The score should indicate the level of gum disease. Bleeding is a sign of gum disease and if it occurs without the presence of a periodontal pocket the site or area is given a score of 1.

What is BPE charting used for?

The BPE is a simple and rapid screening tool that is used to indicate the level of examination needed and to provide basic guidance on treatment need. Please note; the BPE does not provide a diagnosis. 2. All teeth in each sextant are examined (with the exception of 3rd molars).

Why is BPE important?

BPE is important because disturbance in urinary symptoms interferes with living a normal life, can be painful and sometimes cause serious ill-health. By age 50 years about 3 in 10 men will have it, and by 70 years almost 8 in 10 men will be suffering with BPE.