National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which of the following describes the gingival condition associated with periodontal disease?

1. Firm and pale gingiva

2. Soft and swollen gingiva

3. Firm and edematous gingiva

4. Dried and cracked gingiva

The correct answer is: Soft and swollen gingiva

The description of soft and swollen gingiva aligns closely with the typical presentation of gingival conditions associated with periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present, inflammatory responses lead to changes in the gingival tissue. The tissue becomes engorged with fluid, resulting in swelling, making the gingiva appear soft rather than firm. Inflammation due to plaque accumulation triggers an immune response, leading to the formation of gingivitis as an early stage of periodontal disease. This swelling is characterized by increased vascularization, which contributes to the soft texture and may also give the gums a brighter red appearance. Such changes are indicative of the body's response to the pathogens present in periodontal disease, reinforcing the importance of effective oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to manage and prevent progression. Other choices describe conditions that do not typically represent gingival conditions in periodontal disease: firm and pale gingiva suggests a healthy or possibly fibrotic state, firm and edematous gingiva implies an unusual combination of characteristics, and dried and cracked gingiva might indicate dehydration or other systemic conditions rather than periodontal disease.