Generally speaking, periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the bone and the gums that surround the teeth. There is no cure for the disease, and, therefore can only be maintained. It is similar to diabetes, you cannot neglect your diet just because your blood sugar numbers have been good in the past. If you eat poorly once again, the blood sugar numbers will increase just like the periodontal pocketing. Similar to diabetes, there are few, if any, outward signs until the disease is severe. Even then, there is very little if any pain associated with the loss of jaw bone. It is also individually specific and having gum disease makes it more likely to have an outbreak in the future. In other words, just because your husband goes once a year to the dentist and never has any problems, does not mean 6-month cleanings is ok for you.
