Why Does My Dentist Poke My Gums? (BPE Explained Simply)

Why Does My Dentist Poke My Gums? (BPE Explained Simply)

10th September 2025

When you come in for a routine dental check-up at Bicton Place Dental in Exmouth, you might notice your dentist or hygienist gently probing your gums with a small measuring tool. This isn’t anything to worry about—it’s called a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), and it’s the standard way dentists across the UK check the health of your gums.

But what exactly is happening during this test, and what do the numbers mean? Let’s break it down.

Why Do Dentists Check My Gums?

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, and often it develops silently, without pain. The BPE helps us spot problems early—before you might notice symptoms yourself.

What Is the BPE Test?

The BPE is a quick screening test recommended by the British Society of Periodontology.

• Your dentist uses a tiny probe with a ball-shaped end (so it’s gentle, not sharp).
• They carefully measure around each tooth to see how your gums respond.
• Each area of your mouth is given a simple score.

It usually only takes a couple of minutes and is part of a routine check-up.

What Do the BPE Scores Mean?

Each part of your mouth gets a score from 0 to 4:

• 0 – Gums are healthy, no signs of problems.
• 1 – Slight bleeding when checked: early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis).
• 2 – Some plaque or tartar deposits are present that need removing.
• 3 – The probe shows deeper pockets around the teeth (4–5mm), which means gum disease may be starting.
• 4 – Deeper pockets (6mm or more): a sign of more advanced gum disease.
• * (star) – This symbol means there may be more complex issues, like gum recession or tooth movement.

What Happens If My Score Is Higher?

• Scores 0–2 usually mean regular cleaning and good home care will keep your gums healthy.
• A score of 3 or 4 means we’ll need to carry out a more detailed gum assessment and may recommend hygiene treatment to clean below the gumline.
• The aim is always to stop gum disease from progressing and protect your teeth for the long term.

Does the Test Hurt?

Most patients find the BPE comfortable. You may feel slight pressure, and if your gums are inflamed, they might bleed a little. This bleeding isn’t harmful—it’s simply a sign that your gums need some extra care.

Why This Matters to You

Your BPE score is like a health check for your gums. By keeping track of it, we can spot changes early, give you tailored advice, and help you avoid future problems like gum recession, loose teeth, or tooth loss.

At Bicton Place Dental, our priority is prevention. We want you to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, and the BPE is a simple but powerful tool to help us do just that.

Worried About Your Gum Health?

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, soreness, or are simply concerned about gum disease, book an appointment with our friendly dentists or dental hygienists here at Bicton Place Dental in Exmouth. We’ll check your gum health thoroughly, explain your BPE score in plain English, and give you the care and advice you need to keep your smile healthy.

👉 Call us today on 01395 272027 to arrange your visit.