Factors that favour periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, age, heredity and systemic diseases (diabetes, etc.).

Recent research links periodontitis to cardiovascular disease. There is a two-way relationship with diabetes. It has also been linked to premature births and low birth weight.
The bacteria of periodontitis travel easily through the bloodstream and pose a risk to other organs.

It has been found that the bacteria residing in the oral cavity are easily transmitted between members of the same family.

Poor hygiene and smoking contribute to bad breath.
Periodontal treatment absolutely requires the patient's cooperation for a long-lasting, stable result. In the early stages of the problem, treatment is usually conservative, under local anaesthesia, using ultrasonic or other devices and suitable hand instruments. In advanced stages, surgical treatment may be required.

The additional use of laser speeds up healing and improves the level of the result, but it increases the cost.
Antibiotic administration is not considered necessary except in very few cases. The use of antiseptic solutions and gels for a few days can be helpful.