What is the 'Sulcus Bleeding Index' used for in periodontal care?

The Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) is utilized in periodontal care specifically as a clinical measure of bleeding on probing. This index helps practitioners assess the health of the periodontal tissues by evaluating the presence or absence of bleeding when a probe is inserted into the sulcus around the teeth. The primary function of the SBI is to indicate inflammation, guiding clinicians in diagnosing the severity of periodontal disease.

When probing around teeth, the occurrence of bleeding suggests that there is an inflammatory process occurring within the gingiva, often indicative of gingivitis or other periodontal conditions. The SBI provides valuable information over time, enabling the monitoring of treatment outcomes and the effectiveness of oral hygiene practices.

While measures of dental plaque levels, tooth mobility, and periodontal pocket depth are important components of periodontal assessment, they do not specifically measure the inflammatory response as detected by bleeding on probing. The SBI focuses exclusively on this aspect, making it essential for evaluating the state of periodontal health and guiding treatment strategies.