Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the peridontium which occurs in response to bacterial plaque on teeth. Progression of the disease results in destruction of the supporting bone, increasing tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. It is a common oral disease affecting both pregnant women and other adults that affects 15% of pregnant women. Symptoms Periodontitis in its earliest stages may have no obvious symptoms Dentists can detect early disease through clinical probing of the gingival and radiographs Patients with advanced disease will have loose teeth Etiology Chronic exposure of the periodontal tissues to bacterial plaque causes a chronic inflammation. The body's host response to the bacteria, magnifying or suppressing the inflammatory response, helps determine the manifestation and progression of the disease. Chronic inflammation leads to destruction of the periodontal ligament, loss of supporting bone, tooth loosening, and eventual tooth loss. Smoking, diabetes, HIV, pregnancy, and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to the development of periodontitis. Preventative Measures & Treatment Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to monitor hygiene and remove subgingival plaque helps preventing or control inflammation Established disease may require more advanced dental treatment including deep root scaling (cleaning below the gum surface) and antibiotics Reference Novak MJ. Classification of diseases and conditions affecting the periodontium. In: Clinical Periodontology. M.G. Newman, H. H Takei, F. A. Carranza Eds. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2002. Boggess KA. Maternal Oral Health in Pregnancy. Obstet and Gynecol. 2008; 111(4):976-986.