Bleeding on Probing
Also written as: BOP — Bleeding on Probing
A clinical indicator of gingival or periodontal inflammation in which haemorrhage occurs upon insertion of a periodontal probe into the gingival sulcus or pocket.
Full Definition
Bleeding on probing (BOP) is recorded as a dichotomous (present/absent) or percentage-based clinical finding during periodontal assessment. When a periodontal probe is gently inserted into the sulcus or pocket, the presence of bleeding indicates inflammation of the sulcular epithelium due to the underlying bacterial biofilm. BOP is widely used as a primary clinical marker of active gingival and periodontal inflammation and as a key outcome measure in periodontal research and maintenance monitoring. A BOP score of greater than 25% across the dentition is often used as a threshold indicator of generalised gingival inflammation. Editors should render this as 'bleeding on probing' (not 'bleeding on probling') and use the acronym BOP only after expansion.
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'BOP' on first use. Express as a percentage of total sites recorded. Distinguish from spontaneous gingival bleeding, which occurs without provocation and may indicate a systemic condition.
In Context
- "Bleeding on probing was recorded at 42% of sites, consistent with a diagnosis of generalised gingivitis." — Periodontal assessment report
- "The re-evaluation note documented a reduction in BOP from 38% to 12% following four weeks of improved homecare." — Periodontal re-evaluation note