What condition is characterized by the presence of retained subgingival plaque?

The presence of retained subgingival plaque is most closely associated with gingivitis. This condition is primarily a result of the accumulation of plaque that leads to inflammation of the gingival tissues. When plaque is not adequately removed, it can lead to the proliferation of bacteria and inflammatory processes, manifested as gingival swelling, redness, and tenderness.

In gingivitis, the body’s immune response to the plaque bacteria results in bleeding on probing, which is a key indicator used in dental assessments. The gingival inflammation that occurs with gingivitis is directly linked to the presence of plaque; as plaque builds up subgingivally and remains untreated, it exacerbates the condition, leading to symptoms such as bleeding.

While bleeding on probing is a significant clinical sign for diagnosing gingivitis, it reflects the underlying issue of plaque accumulation. Therefore, retained subgingival plaque leads to gingivitis, marked by the inflammation and bleeding response when probing the gingiva.

Other options like pocket depth increase and gingival hyperplasia relate to periodontal issues, but they are not characterized specifically by retained plaque. Pocket depth can indicate progression to periodontitis, while hyperplasia may occur under different conditions and is not directly due to retained subgingival plaque.