How is gingivitis best characterized?

Gingivitis is best characterized by inflammation of the gums, which often leads to symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing. The key distinguishing factor of gingivitis, as opposed to more advanced periodontal diseases, is that it does not involve bone loss.

While options that mention abscess formation or severe pain and swelling might describe more serious conditions like periodontitis or an acute infection, they do not accurately reflect the primary features of gingivitis. The hallmark of this condition is the presence of bleeding without any loss of the supporting bone structure around the teeth. Therefore, noting that there is bleeding but no bone loss correctly encapsulates the essence of gingivitis, making it the most accurate characterization.