Disclosed is an in vitro method for assessing whether a human patient suffering from periodontitis has mild periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. The method is based on the insight to determine a selection of three bio marker proteins. Accordingly, in a sample of saliva a patient suffering from periodontitis, the concentrations are measured of the proteins Pyruvate Kinase (PK) and at least twoof Haemoglobin-beta (Hb-beta), Haemoglobin-delta (Hb-delta), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9). Based on the concentrations as measured, a value reflecting the joint concentrations for said proteins is determined. The value is compared with a threshold value reflecting in the same manner the joint concentrations associated with advanced periodontitis. The comparison allows assessing whether the testing value is indicative of the presence of advanced periodontitis or of mild periodontitis in the patient. Thereby, typically, a testing value reflecting a joint concentration below the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value is indicative for mild periodontitis in the patient, and a testing value reflecting a joint concentration at or above the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value, is indicative for advanced periodontitis in the patient.