The most prevalent form of periodontitis is chronic periodontitis, which often develops as a complication of gingivitis an inflammation of the gums caused by poor oral hygiene.

Plaque (a deposit of food particles, mucus, and bacteria) and calculus (hardened plaque) build up on the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed if tooth-brushing is neglected.

After some time, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets in which more plaque can collect.

Due to development of gingivitis, the bacteria in the plaque attack the periodontal tissues, causing them to become inflamed and detach from the teeth.

The teeth may loosen in their sockets and fall out.

The another form of periodontitis caused by tooth decay usually as a result of poor oral hygiene is called Periapical periodontitis.

If the treatment is neglected, the hard enamel that covers the tooth and the dentin underneath will eventually be destroyed, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp, or central part, of the tooth.

Also the bacteria may spread to the root tip and into the surrounding tissues, causing the socket of the tooth to become inflamed.

Some genetic disorders, such as juvenile periodontitis result in particularly severe forms of periodontitis that occur in children or young adults.
 

Red, soft, shiny, gums that bleed easily and may recede.

An unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breathe.

Toothache when hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks are consumed.

In the later stages of chronic periodontitis, there may be loosening of the teeth.

The symptoms of Periapical periodontitis may include:

• Toothache in a specific area, especially when biting.
• Loosening of a tooth.
• Swelling of the jaw.  

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and check the depth of the pockets between them using a special probe.

He or she will probably take detail X-ray to see how much of the bony support around the teeth has been lost.

Chronic periodontitis is treated by removing plaque and calculus from the teeth in a procedure know as scaling.

To reduce the size of the pockets between the gums and teeth a process called gingivectomy (surgical trimming of the gums) is performed .

The diseased lining of the pockets may be removed to allow healthy tissue to attach itself to the teeth.

After surgery, an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria may be prescribed. If periodontitis is severe, antibiotics may be prescribed, or an antibiotic paste or pellet may be pushed into the deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

Loose teeth may be fixed to other teeth to prevent their loss.

Mostly, grafting materials are used to regenerate the periodontal tissues and reduce the depth of the pockets.

Periapical periodontitis is treatment by which the bacteria from the tooth is removed by carrying out the root canal treatment.

A tooth that is very severely damaged may need to be extracted.

After treatment you will be advised to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to prevent further buildup and calculus.