Which index relies on probing to evaluate bleeding and tissue response in the sulcus?

• A. Gingival Index
• B. OHI-S
• C. Sulcus Bleeding Index
• D. Gingival Bleeding Index

Answer: (C)

Evaluating how the gingival sulcus responds to probing by looking at bleeding is the key idea. The Sulcus Bleeding Index is specifically designed to quantify bleeding that occurs when the sulcus is gently probed, which directly reflects sulcular inflammation and tissue health around the tooth. Because it focuses on the sulcus bleeding response, it provides a direct measure of sulcular inflammation and tissue health. Other indices pull in different aspects: the Gingival Index assesses gingival color, texture, and bleeding on probing in a broader sense; the OHI-S measures plaque and calculus for overall oral hygiene status; the Gingival Bleeding Index examines bleeding after probing but not necessarily tied to sulcus-specific tissue health. So the index that relies on probing to evaluate bleeding and tissue response in the sulcus is the Sulcus Bleeding Index.