True or False: Any bleeding on dental probing is considered abnormal.

Bleeding on dental probing is an important clinical sign that indicates the presence of inflammation or periodontal disease. In healthy periodontal tissues, probing should not elicit bleeding; therefore, any instance of bleeding during this examination is generally seen as abnormal. This response suggests that there is compromised health of the gums, often associated with conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

Regular dental exams typically expect that the gingival tissues are firm and resilient, and probing should occur without any discomfort or bleeding. When bleeding is noted, it indicates that the tissue is inflamed, potentially leading to further issues if left unaddressed. Thus, recognizing bleeding during dental probing is crucial for diagnosing and managing dental diseases effectively.

While there might be nuances in certain contexts—such as younger animals having softer tissues or advanced disease presenting differently—the standard interpretation is that any bleeding during probing should be considered abnormal and warrants further investigation and potential treatment.