Which symptom is associated with the early stages of periodontitis?

The symptom associated with the early stages of periodontitis is swollen gums. In the initial phases of periodontitis, the inflammatory response to plaque buildup leads to gingivitis, which typically manifests as redness, swelling, and tenderness in the gums. While swollen gums are an indication of inflammation and are a significant early warning sign of periodontal disease, they do not usually indicate severe pain or immediate loss of teeth, which are more characteristic of advanced stages of the disease.

Severe pain is more commonly associated with advanced periodontal disease or other dental conditions rather than the early stages where discomfort might be minimal. Loss of teeth typically occurs in later stages when the periodontal tissues and bone are significantly compromised due to prolonged infection. Jaw fractures are unrelated to periodontitis and are more associated with trauma or other systemic diseases affecting bone density. Thus, swollen gums are the primary and telling symptom during the early development of periodontitis, signaling a need for dental evaluation and intervention.