Categories of Periodontal Health

Published on

July 2, 2025

Understanding the health of your gums is critical to preventing long-term oral complications like tooth loss or bone damage. At Plano Family Dental, we use a clear system to categorize your periodontal (gum) health based on plaque levels, calculus (tartar), bleeding, pocket depths, and bone loss.

Below is a breakdown of the 10 clinical categories we use to assess gum and bone health:

Category 1: Healthy Gums

Minimal plaque
No calculus (tartar)
No gum tissue changes
Pocket depths of 1–2 mm
No bleeding

Category 2: Early Signs

Minimal plaque
Slight supragingival (above-gum) calculus
Gums appear healthy overall
Pocket depths of 1–3 mm
Minimal bleeding

From this point forward, periodontal disease is considered active and should be closely monitored and treated.

Category 3: Early Gingivitis

Visible plaque
Some supragingival calculus
Beginning changes in gum appearance

Category 4: Moderate Gingivitis

Noticeable plaque and calculus
Gums show changes in color, texture, and shape
Beginning pocket formation
Pocket depths: 2–4 mm
Moderate bleeding

Category 5: Early Periodontitis

Plaque and moderate subgingival (below-gum) calculus
Gum changes with mild bone involvement
Pocket depths: 3–5 mm
Moderate bleeding

Category 6: Moderate Periodontitis

Plaque and subgingival calculus
Pocket depths: 4–6 mm
Moderate to severe bleeding
Signs of horizontal bone loss
Possible tooth mobility

Category 7: Advanced Periodontitis

Plaque and calculus
Pocket depths: 5–7 mm
Both horizontal and vertical bone loss
Moderate to severe bleeding
Tooth mobility is more likely

Patients in Categories 8–10 should be referred to a periodontist for specialized care.

Category 8: Severe Bone Loss

Mobile teeth
Significant horizontal and vertical bone loss
Heavy bleeding

Category 9: Chronic or Complex Cases

Variable pocket depths
Moderate to severe bleeding
Possible vertical defects
History of unsuccessful treatments
Poor oral hygiene habits and inconsistent follow-up

Category 10: Refractory Periodontitis

Highly aggressive and invasive periodontal disease
Does not respond to standard therapy
Requires complex, ongoing care

What to Do If You're at Risk

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease—or you’re unsure about your gum health—Dr. Varun Joseph and our team at Plano Family Dental are here to help. We offer early intervention, personalized periodontal care, and referrals to specialists when needed.

To get started, schedule an exam today or call us at (9

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