This page explains your Bola Perio Meter results in simple, clear terms. It breaks down your gum health into three parts:
1. Stage & Grade
Your dentist uses this system to better understand your gum health based on two things
Stage: How much damage has already happened
Grade: How quickly your condition might get worse
Think of it like riding a bike down a hill:
Stage is how steep the hill is
Grade is how fast you're rolling down
What Stage Means:
Healthy: Your gums are in great shape — no signs of disease
Gingivitis: Early signs of inflammation, but not enough to be called Stage I
Stage I or II: Early damage — a good time to stop it from getting worse
Most adults over 30 fall into Stage IIStage III or IV: More serious damage — may need extra support or a specialist
What Grade Means:
Grade A: Very stable — unlikely to worsen quickly
Grade B: Slightly faster progression
Grade C: Rapid progression — we’ll work with you to slow it down
💡 Even if only one tooth shows deeper pockets, your Stage could be higher. Stage is a clinical cutoff — not a score — and helps your dentist guide your care.
Want to learn more? Visit the AAP’s Gum Disease Overview for Patients.
Perio Index
2. Perio Index
The Perio Index gives you a clear snapshot of your current gum health.
What Your Score Means:
Example: 6 / 48
6 areas were measured with deeper pocket depths (≥5mm)
48 areas bled during your exam
Target Score: 0 / 0 — no deep pockets or bleeding
% Impacted: Tells you how much of your mouth is affected
Bleeding %: Higher % means your gums are more affected
Don’t worry — with the right home care and treatment plan, we can bring this score down together.
Follow Up
Your provider will walk you through:
Which teeth or parts of your mouth are affected (shown on the tooth chart)
Care suggestions to help you improve your gum health
You can print or save this summary to review at home or share with a loved one.
We’re here to help you get healthier — one visit at a time.