Skip to main content Skip to footer

Visual examination

Print this page

Visual examination

Before periodontal probing takes place, the oral tissues should be examined visually to assess the patient’s level of oral hygiene to identify other local risk factors (e.g. calculus, malpositioned teeth, overhanging restorations and partial dentures) and to detect signs of gingival inflammation or periodontitis. Interdental recession at any site in the mouth is considered a sign of periodontitis and indicates that a full periodontal examination is required rather than simple screening. 

Conduct and record a visual examination of the patient’s oral tissues and assess:

  • recession on smooth and interdental surfaces;
  • gingival inflammation;
  • crowded, drifting or malpositioned teeth;
  • restorations/prostheses (if present);
  • levels of dental plaque biofilm (see Assessing plaque biofilm and bleeding);
  • presence of calculus deposits, both supra- and subgingival;
  • presence of dental sinuses or suppuration;
  • occlusion (see Other diagnostic tools).