How long does it take for periodontitis to develop?

Depends : Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition caused by certain oral bacteria and characterized by bone loss around teeth. Some people can have very poor hygiene and never develop periodontitis. Others can have seemingly very good hygiene and struggle with ever increasing levels of bone loss.

No set time: There are many factors it starts as gingivitis then if you don't treat it it then involves the underlying bone the development will depend on your general health any medications you are taking if you smoke and how well you do effective oral hygiene see your dentist to examine your mouth.

Years: It takes a while for it to develop, so there's time to prevent it and treat it in the early stages, where it is less expensive to do so.