What is a common clinical feature of periodontal disease?

A common clinical feature of periodontal disease is bright red gingiva. In periodontal disease, inflammation occurs in the gums due to bacterial infections, leading to swollen and reddish gums. This redness is a result of increased blood flow to the affected areas as the body responds to the infection. Consequently, the gingiva may also appear shiny and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Recognizing the change in gum color can be an important indicator for dental professionals diagnosing periodontal conditions.

Healthy gums, in contrast, typically present as firm and a pale pink color. Therefore, options that suggest normal or healthy conditions would not accurately represent the signs of periodontal disease. As such, the observation of bright red gingiva is a key clinical feature of periodontal disease, making it the correct answer.