An inflammation of the periodontium is referred to as a periodontitis, colloquially called paradontosis. In a relapsing running process, the inflammation destroys tooth tissue and bone that are
responsible for the attachment of the tooth. This may take years or decades, but, without treatment, results in the loosening of teeth and is considered, besides the dental caries, as the main
cause of loss of teeth.
Periodontitis is primary caused by dental plaque that is located on the tooth surfaces and gaps between teeth and causes a chronic inflammatory response of the body.