<p>Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth" - it is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth.</p>
<p>These things are the causes why periodontitis occurs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Dental plaque forms on teeth - this is a pale-yellow biofilm that develops naturally on teeth. If is formed by bacteria that try to attach themselves to the tooth's smooth surface.</li>
<li>Brushing teeth gets rid of plaque, but it soon builds up; within a day or so.</li>
<li>If it is not removed, within two or three days it hardens into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque. Another name for tartar is calculus. Getting rid of tartar requires a professional - you cannot do it yourself.</li>
<li>Plaque can gradually and progressively damage teeth and surrounding tissue. At first, the patient may develop gingivitis - inflammation of the gum around the base of the teeth.</li>
<li>Persistent gingivitis can result in pockets developing between the teeth and gums. These pockets fill up with bacteria.</li>
<li>Bacterial toxins and our immune system's response to infection start destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Eventually the teeth start becoming loose, and can even fall out.</li>
</ul>
