If a patient has bleeding one month after periodontal cleaning, what is likely the cause?

Bleeding one month after periodontal cleaning is often indicative of retained subgingival plaque. Even with a thorough cleaning, bacteria can sometimes remain below the gumline, leading to inflammation and subsequent bleeding. This situation highlights the importance of not only the procedure performed but also patient compliance with post-treatment care and maintenance.

If subgingival plaque is not adequately removed or if the patient does not maintain proper oral hygiene, it can lead to the re-establishment of periodontal disease, which is characterized by gingival inflammation and bleeding. Hence, in this context, the presence of retained subgingival plaque is a significant factor in causing the observed symptoms.

While inadequate cleaning, hereditary factors, and systemic health issues can also contribute to gingival bleeding, they are less directly associated with the specific scenario of bleeding occurring soon after a periodontal treatment, which suggests the likelihood of plaque accumulation as a primary concern.