A clinical sign of inflammation where the gingival tissue bleeds upon probing, brushing, or flossing. It indicates that the epithelium of the gum pocket is ulcerated.
Healthy tissue does not bleed. Bleeding is the body's active response to bacterial infection. If ignored, the condition progresses from reversible Gingivitis to irreversible Periodontitis (bone loss).
The most common cause is the accumulation of plaque and calculus (tartar) at the gum line, triggering an immune response.
Effective removal of the bacterial irritant is required via professional scaling and improved home care (flossing). Bleeding typically stops 7–10 days after hygiene improves.
Severe Vitamin C deficiency (Scurvy) or Vitamin K deficiency can cause spontaneous bleeding, though these are rare in healthy populations compared to plaque-induced gingivitis.