Periodontitis usually gets worse slowly. But sometimes it can get worse in bursts. Therefore, if mild periodontitis goes untreated, more bone and connecting fibers can be destroyed.

What happens: Inflammation continues as your body responds to the bacteria in your plaque. This response wreaks 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 redder and puffier. They may bleed easily. As you lose connective tissue and bone, teeth may begin to loosen. Teeth may start to hurt when you chew. They may 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: Moderate periodontitis typically responds to scaling and root planing and the use of antibiotics. In some cases, more treatment may be needed. You may have to try a different antibiotic or several courses of antibiotics. If antibiotic treatment fails, the next step is usually periodontal surgery. These procedures can reshape the gums or encourage new growth of the bone that you have lost.

Your teeth may become loose. These teeth may have to be splinted to other teeth to stabilize them.