Periodontitis Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is characterized not only by inflamed gums but also by deep pockets between gums and teeth and, in advanced cases, destruction of the underlying connective tissue and bone. The most common type of periodontitis is adult periodontitis. It may start as early as the teen years, but symptoms usually don't become noticeable until the mid-30's or later. Symptoms slowly get worse as the person ages, but may come and go depending on a person's general health, oral hygiene, and ability to combat the bacteria that cause the inflammation. Periodontitis is also associated with several diseases and disorders, including type I diabetes, AIDS, and Down's syndrome.
Children can get periodontitis as well.
On rare occasions babies can get the disease with the eruption of their first teeth. A more common, but still rare, condition affects children at puberty and involves the first molars and incisors. Juvenile periodontitis may be localized, that is, restricted to one or two teeth, or generalized where the inflammation and damage are more widespread. Kids with localized disease have very little plaque and tartar but exhibit rapid loss of the bone around the affected teeth. Generalized juvenile disease looks and acts more like adult periodontitis, with inflammation, build-up of plaque and tartar, and bone loss that loosens teeth.