Once you’re past your mid-20s, you’re far more likely to lose teeth because of gum disease than tooth decay. That’s why every NHS dental check-up includes a gum screening called the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). You can easily check things like your BMI, and track your blood pressure, but your BPE score must be measured by a dentist or hygienist. It’s an important number to know. Around 10% of the population are more prone to serious gum disease (periodontitis). If you fall into this group, keeping your teeth for life depends on maintaining an excellent daily cleaning routine — especially cleaning between the teeth. If you don’t know your BPE score, ask at your next appointment. While we wait for an official traffic-light system from an academic body, I’ve created a simple risk scoring guide to help you understand your own level of gum-disease risk. It’s only a rough guide, but it’s a helpful place to start.
This video explainss how and why to use an interdental brush. For more information type in BPE, gum disease, or interdental in the teeth4life YouTube Channel
Playlist
2 Videos
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Risk Factors for Gum Disease The table below highlights the key risks linked to gum disease. Each factor is rated using a simple traffic-light system, so you can quickly see how likely it is to contribute to gum problems.
This feature was originally part of the Teeth4life App and will also appear in the upcoming DHS App.
This Dental Health Service tool is for public education. It does not diagnose disease. A higher score means higher risk, not certainty. A lower score does not guarantee that gum disease will not occur. Bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or receding gums should always be checked by a dentist or dental care professional.
1. Risk factor scores
Smoking
Choose the option that fits you best
Score
Non-smoker (or stopped >10 years ago)
1
Occasional (a few cigarettes / vapes a week)
2
1–10 cigarettes (or equivalent) per day
5
10+ cigarettes per day or any chewing tobacco
10
Alcohol (UK units per week)
Typical weekly intake
Score
0 units (never / hardly ever drink)
1
1–14 units (within UK guideline range)
2
15–35 units (regularly over guidelines)
4
36+ units (heavy / frequent binges)
8
Stress
How stressed do you feel most weeks?
Score
Chilled – rarely stressed
1
Slightly stressed – normal ups and downs
2
Moderately stressed – stressed most weeks
4
Very stressed – constantly stressed / burnt out
7
Diet (including ultra-processed foods)
Typical eating pattern
Score
Excellent – 5-a-day fruit/veg, few takeaways/UPFs
1
Average – mix of healthy and less healthy foods
2
Poor – little fruit/veg, frequent takeaways/UPFs, sugary drinks
4
Very bad – very high in ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks
7
Oral hygiene / plaque level
Your daily cleaning habits
Score
Excellent – brushing 2×/day, interdental cleaning, regular professional cleaning
1
Average – brushing daily, sometimes miss interdental cleaning
3
Poor – often miss brushing or never clean between teeth; visible plaque
7
Very poor – heavy plaque or tartar, rarely see a dentist
10
Diabetes / systemic health
Your situation
Score
No diabetes or systemic health problems
1
Family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
2
Diabetes or other systemic condition – well controlled
3
Diabetes or systemic condition – poorly controlled / complications
5
2. How to calculate your gum disease risk score
For each risk factor above, choose the one box that best fits you and note the score.
Double the scores for smoking and oral hygiene/plaque level, because these are the strongest risk factors for gum disease. Example: if your smoking score is 5, count it as 10.
Add up all of your points to get your total gum disease risk score.
Traffic-light guide for your total score
Total score*
Risk band
What this means
0–20
Green – lower risk
Your lifestyle and habits are relatively low-risk for gum disease. Keep up the good habits and attend regular dental and hygiene visits.
21–40
Amber – moderate risk
Your risk is raised. Improving brushing and interdental cleaning, stopping smoking, and controlling medical conditions will reduce your risk.
41 or more
Red – higher risk
Your current habits and health put you at higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Strongly consider seeking help to stop smoking, improve oral hygiene and diet, and manage any medical conditions.
*With this system the maximum possible score is 63. This is a simple educational tool and not a clinical diagnosis. Always seek professional advice if your gums bleed, your teeth feel loose, or you notice changes in your mouth.
