Bleeding on probing

 ( Bleeding ) 

In order to determine the periodontal health of a patient, the dentist or dental hygienist records the sulcular depths of the gingiva and observes any bleeding on probing. This is often accomplished with the use of a periodontal probe. Alternatively, dental floss may also be used to assess the Gingival bleeding index. It is used as an initial evaluation on patient's periodontal health especially to measure gingivitis. The number of bleeding sites is used to calculate the gingival bleeding score. Gingival Bleeding Index of Carter and Barnes URL assessed on November 21, 2009

Peer-reviewed dental literature thoroughly establishes that bleeding on probing is a poor positive predictor of periodontal disease, but conversely lack of bleeding is a very strong negative predictor. The clinical interpretation of this research is that while BOP presence may not indicate periodontal disease, continued absence of BOP is a strong predictor (approximately 98%) of continued periodontal health.Absence of bleeding on probing. An indicator of periodontal stability. J Clin Periodontol. 1990 Nov;17(10):714-21.

• Corresponding treatments for diagnosed diseases should be taken as first priority.
• Dentist or hygienists should be visited once every three months for plaque removal.
• Soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended for brushing your teeth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes may be softened by leaving under hot running water (very hot) before brushing every time, followed by gentle brushing.
• Flossing twice a day can prevent the building up of plaques.
• Tobacco should be avoided as tobacco can aggravate the bleeding gums.
• A balanced healthy diet should also be taken into account.
• Physiotherapy programme using over-the-counter toothpaste with triclosan should be used with home care.

If there is persistent continuation of inflammation and bleeding, a prescription of antiplaque rinse would be useful.