Which statement about bleeding and exudate is typical of healthy gingiva?

• A. No bleeding on probing, no exudate
• B. Frequent bleeding on probing
• C. Suppuration
• D. Spontaneous bleeding

Answer: (A)

Healthy gingival tissue remains firm and pink, with the sulcus intact, so gentle probing should produce no bleeding and no exudate. Bleeding on probing signals gingival inflammation, and exudate (pus) indicates infection. Frequent bleeding, suppuration, or spontaneous bleeding all point away from health. Thus, the statement that best describes healthy gingiva is no bleeding on probing and no exudate.