What clinical finding is indicative of periodontitis?

The presence of a true pocket is a key clinical finding indicative of periodontitis. In the context of periodontal disease, a "true pocket" refers to a pathologically deepened periodontal pocket that results from the loss of supporting bone and periodontal attachment. This is a critical aspect of periodontitis, as it represents both inflammation and infection within the periodontal tissues, leading to the deterioration of the supporting structures surrounding the teeth.

In periodontitis, the gums become inflamed and the periodontal ligaments and bone that support the teeth may be resorbed, creating pockets that are deeper than normal. Measurement of these pockets during a clinical examination is essential for diagnosing periodontitis and determining its severity. The probing depth in these pockets typically exceeds 3 mm when there is true loss of attachment, which signifies active disease and necessitates intervention.

While gingival bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, and halitosis can be associated with periodontal disease, they are not definitive indicators of periodontitis on their own. Gingival bleeding is common in both gingivitis and periodontitis, and gingival hyperplasia may occur due to various factors such as hormonal changes or medications, rather than being exclusive to periodontitis. Halitosis, or bad breath,