Although periodontitis usually progresses slowly, it can worsen in bursts. Therefore, if mild periodontitis goes untreated, more bone and connecting fibers can be destroyed. In addition, it is important to note that recent studies suggest a link between periodontal health and overall health.

What happens: The inflammatory response to the bacteria in your plaque continues to wreak havoc on the connective tissue and bone around the teeth. The pockets around teeth deepen as more tissue is destroyed.

Symptoms: Gums may become even more red and puffy and bleed easily. Because there is a greater amount of tissue destruction, teeth may begin to loosen. Teeth may start to hurt when you chew or become more sensitive to hot or cold. Pockets measure 5 to 7 millimeters. (One millimeter is about the same thickness as a dime.)

What can be done: Mild to moderate periodontitis typically responds to scaling and root planing and the use of antibiotics. In some cases, more extensive treatment may be needed, including a different antibiotic or several courses of antibiotics. If antibiotic treatment fails, the next step is usually periodontal surgery to reshape the gums or encourage new growth of the bone that has been lost because of periodontal disease.

If periodontal disease has destroyed the fibers and bone that support the teeth in the jaw, the teeth may become loose. If this happens, the loose teeth may have to be splinted to other teeth to stabilize them.