Histologic comparisons of interproximal gingival tissues related to the presence or absence of bleeding

Interproximal gingival tissues were compared histologically relative to the presence or absence of bleeding after stimulation with a wooden interdental cleaner. Fifteen bleeding and 15 nonbleeding interproximal gingival biopsy specimens were obtained from 30 patients and processed for light microscopic evaluation. Morphometric analysis of tissue components revealed that bleeding areas had a significantly greater per cent of inflamed connective tissue. The inflammatory lesion in the bleeding specimens was primarily in the midinterproximal area. From a diagnostic standpoint, this information provides a rationale for the use of bleeding to detect inflammatory lesions in the midinterproximal region.