Understanding Your Gum Score:
What the Numbers Mean for Your Health
What Is a Gum Score?
Your GumScore is a simple measure of your gum health. Ideal scores mean healthier gums, fewer dental issues, and a brighter smile. Your gum score is based on the number of bleeding points found during your dental examination.
Think of it like your blood pressure reading or cholesterol level – it’s a number that helps you and your dental team understand your gum health in real-time. Understanding your gum health is the first step to a healthier smile.
Why Does Your Gum Score Matter?
A healthy Gum Score means more than just a great smile. It can boost your overall health by reducing inflammation and preventing serious dental problems.
A healthy Gum Score should be 9 or lower. If your score is 10 or higher, it means:
A healthy Gum Score should be less than 10. A higher score may mean:
- Your gums need additional attention and care
- You may have active gum infections
- You may suffer from chronic bad breath
- Your overall health might be affected by gum inflammation
- You could be at risk for tooth loss if left untreated
Understanding the Silent Epidemic
Gum disease is often called a “silent epidemic” because many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. It’s the #1 cause of adult tooth loss, but it doesn’t have to be. Early detection through your Gum Score can help prevent:
- Tooth loss due to infections
- Chronic bad breath
- Expensive dental procedures
- Potential impacts on your overall health
Did you know that nearly half of American adults over 30 have gum disease? That's over 64 million people dealing with chronic gum infections. The good news is that there's a simple way to understand and monitor your gum health: Your Gum Score.
A High Gum Score is Linked to...
Heart Disease
Gum disease can lead to heart disease, stroke, blood clots, chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Inflammation of the arteries is the common denominator. And that can be caused by oral bacteria entering the blood stream and combining with fat deposits to cause plaque and restrict blood flow. Restricted blood flow can lead to additional buildup, causing clots that can trigger all of the above.
Respiratory Disease
The bacteria present in gum disease has been identified in the lung tissue of patients with lung abscesses. Researchers explains that “unhealthy oral cavities can predispose (patients) to respiratory infections and suggest that oral or non-oral pathogens present in the oral cavity could contribute to respiratory disease.”
Alzheimer’s Disease
The bacteria associated with Alzheimer’s Disease have been isolated in the periodontal pockets and along the nerves from the teeth to the brain tissue. When these bacteria are introduced into brain cultures, beta amyloid is formed, which is the substance associated with Alzheimer’s.
Colorectal Cancer
A common anaerobic bacteria prevalent in periodontal disease has been identified as a driver of colorectal cancer.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetic patients with gum disease have reported higher blood sugar levels than diabetic patients with healthier gums, and it is harder for diabetics to maintain gum health. The association is so strong that periodontitis has been called the “sixth complication of diabetes mellitus.”
For most patients with diabetes, initial periodontal therapy alone is insufficient. Patients need on-going maintenance and additional adjunctive care.
COPD &
Sleep Apnea
People with periodontitis are at increased risk of having/developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, a meta-analysis of the effects of periodontitis on the functional capacity of the lungs demonstrated a statistically significant effect, with periodontitis patients presenting with a 4.94% lower lung capacity.
Periodontitis has also been linked with a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (meta-analysis of six studies).
Dementia
In one meta-analysis,
“...there was an association between periodontitis and cognitive impairment, and moderate or severe periodontitis was a risk factor for dementia. Additionally, the deterioration of periodontal status was observed among dementia patients.”
Pre-Term & Low Birth Weight Babies
Research has shown that pregnant women who have periodontal infections had more than 7 times the risk of preterm delivery of low-birth-weight infants than women without the infections.
How Can You Improve Your Gum Score?
-
Follow a dentist-recommended
home care routine. -
Use PerioProtect Trays
and Perio Gel -
Maintain regular dental visits.
Take control of your gum health today!
Treatment Options:
The PerioProtect Solution
When your Gum Score is above 10, your dental team may recommend PerioProtect treatment:
- Uses a custom-fitted tray to deliver medication deep under your gums
- Takes only 10-15 minutes per day
- Fights infection where brushing and flossing can’t reach
- Helps whiten teeth and freshen breath while treating gum disease
Our Goals For Your Health
When we work together to improve your Gum Score,
we’re aiming to:
- Prevent bone loss and keep your teeth.
- Avoid repetitive deep cleanings.
- Provide optimal gum health to support the longevity of your dental work.
- Give you confidence with a healthy smile and fresh breath.
- Support your journey towards a healthier life.
Achieve a Healthier Smile with PerioProtect!
- Ask your dental team for your gum score at your next visit.
- If your score is above 10, discuss treatment options with your provider.
- Consider PerioProtect as a convenient at-home treatment option.
The Bottom Line
Your Gum Score is more than just a number – it’s a key indicator of your oral and overall health. By understanding and monitoring your score, you can take control of your health and prevent serious dental problems before they start.
Want to learn more about your gum score or PerioProtect treatment?
Ask your dental professional today or contact us for more information.
Patient Reviews
"This is hands down one of the best products I've ever used to maintain my dental health.
Having veneers and crowns it makes sense to me that I invest in keeping things healthy and
I'm so confident that I've recommended it to my patients, family and friends as well."
~ J. Samuelson
"My gums are grateful that I used this product.
My dentist appointments are faster and my teeth seem to be cleaner."
~ G. Davis
"Just had my first perio cleaning since I got my Perio Trays and started using Perio Protect Gel.
Huge difference in my numbers after three months of use. I had reduction in all of my gum pockets.
In fact, one was measured at 6 previously and after using my trays with Perio Protect, the 6 is now measuring at 3! Very impressed. Also, my teeth have brightened as well. A welcome side effect for using this product."
~ C. Walsh
"Great to use. Saw drastic results within the first two weeks"
~ C. Kawatski
