What symptom is closely monitored in a periodontal assessment?

In a periodontal assessment, bleeding on probing is a critical symptom that is closely monitored. This symptom indicates the health of the periodontal tissues and is a key sign of inflammation and disease. When probing the gums, the presence of blood can suggest issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis, which can provide insights into the severity of periodontal disease. The ability to assess bleeding on probing helps clinicians evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment strategies and the overall health status of the patient’s periodontal tissue.

Monitoring bleeding on probing is essential because it can guide decisions regarding further treatment and management of periodontal disease, and it can also serve as a predictive factor for potential tooth loss and other complications. This symptom provides direct information about the inflammatory response of gum tissues to the presence of plaque and calculus, making it a vital aspect of periodontal health assessment.