What is a sign of early-stage gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque accumulation. One of the primary signs of early-stage gingivitis is gums that bleed easily, particularly during activities like brushing or flossing. This bleeding occurs because the inflammation makes the delicate tissue of the gums more susceptible to injury.

In the presence of gingivitis, the body sends blood to the area in response to increased bacteria, leading to a characteristic redness and swelling of the gums. The easy bleeding is also a key indicator because it shows that the gums are not healthy and that the inflammation is significant enough to warrant attention.

Other options, while they may relate to gum disease in different contexts, do not specifically characterize early-stage gingivitis. Deep pockets between teeth could indicate a more advanced stage of periodontal disease, painful tooth extraction typically involves other issues such as an abscess rather than gingivitis itself, and swollen lymph nodes suggest a systemic response to infection but are not specific to early gum disease. Thus, easily bleeding gums are a direct and clear sign of early-stage gingivitis.