Which clinical finding is indicative of gingival edema?

Gingival edema refers specifically to the swelling of the gum tissue, which often presents as inflamed, swollen gums. This condition occurs due to an accumulation of fluid in the gingival tissues often resulting from irritation or inflammation, commonly caused by plaque buildup, trauma, or systemic factors.

When examining the gums, visibly swollen and inflamed tissue is a direct reflection of gingival edema. This finding is essential for diagnosing periodontal diseases and assessing the overall health of the gums. The presence of inflamed, swollen gums often signifies that the body's immune response is actively working to combat inflammation, making it a key indicator in clinical assessments.

In contrast, other options, while potentially related to periodontal health, do not specifically describe the state of the gums characteristic of edema. Whitening of the gums may suggest other conditions, pocketing indicates a deeper gum pocket usually associated with periodontal disease rather than edema, and bleeding on probing, while indicative of inflammation, does not necessarily specify the swelling aspect that defines edema. Therefore, swollen and inflamed gums best encapsulate the clinical finding indicative of gingival edema.