What tool do you use to measure the gingival bleeding index?

• A. Floss
• B. Probe
• C. Toothbrush
• D. Cotton swab

Answer: (A)

Measuring gingival bleeding index centers on provoking a small amount of gingival bleeding to reveal inflammation. Using floss to interproximal areas provides a quick, practical way to stimulate the gingiva along the margins between teeth, where interdental inflammation often shows up first. If bleeding appears after floss is gently passed and moved along the gingival margin, that site is counted as positive, and aggregating results across many sites gives an overall index value for the individual or group. Floss is mobile, inexpensive, and specifically targets the interdental gingiva, making it especially useful in community health surveys or classroom demonstrations where a simple, rapid assessment is desired. Although a periodontal probe can also trigger bleeding for similar measurements, the floss-based approach aligns with many standard protocols for the gingival bleeding index because it efficiently assesses interdental sites where inflammation commonly begins. The other items listed—brush, cotton swab, or a probe—do not provide the same practical, broad interdental stimulation pattern that flossing offers for this index.