How quickly can periodontal disease develop?

6-12 months: Difficult question... It usually takes several months to develope, but on some can progress rapidly. You should be examined by a dentist immediately.

Usually slowly: Usually periodontal disease develops slowly over time, and is an interplay between infection in your mouth and your immune response to this. Certain cases can develop rapidly. Also, a localized problem can develop much more rapidly in certain circumstances. Regardless, it is easiest to treat when diagnosed early.

It depends: It can develop rapidly or slowly depending on the type. Since you are 41, if you have periodontal disease, it may be the aggressive form in the moderate to advanced stages, or the chronic form in the early stages. There is a lot of variability here. A comprehensive periodontal evaluation with proper radiographs should answer your question!

Varies: We used to think periodontal disease was a slow, steadily progressing disease. Research has determined that progression can be very slow for a period of time and then it increases rapidly for a time. Over the long period it appears to be steady in progression but is actually more episodic.