What is a key characteristic of gingival inflammation related to color?

A key characteristic of gingival inflammation is that it appears darker than normal. This change in color is primarily due to increased blood flow to the affected area, a response that is part of the body's natural inflammatory process. When gingiva becomes inflamed, the blood vessels dilate to allow more immune cells to reach the site of inflammation, leading to a reddish or darker hue compared to healthy tissue.

This darker appearance can be more pronounced in cases of chronic inflammation where more blood is consistently present in the gingival tissues. It's important for dental hygienists to recognize this color change as it is a clear indicator of inflammation and potential periodontal disease, guiding them in their assessment and treatment planning for the patient.

The other choices do not accurately describe the typical color characteristics observed in gingival inflammation, making them less relevant to the characteristic being assessed.