Periodontitis is a complex infectious disease that results from an interplay of microbial infection and host inflammatory response to the bacterial challenge. The disease is characterized by the destruction of the connective tissue surrounding the teeth and dental bone support.
There are many stages of periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis (easily treatable) to severe periodontitis (irreversible). Severe periodontitis is reported to cause tooth loss in 5–20% of adult populations globally.