Gingival and Periodontal Diseases in Children and Adolescent

Gingival and periodontal diseases are very common condition among the dentate population. The most frequent diseases affecting children and adolescents include gingivitis, localized or generalized aggressive periodontitis and periodontal diseases associated with systemic disorders. The effects of periodontal diseases observed in adults have earlier inception in life period. Gingival and periodontal diseases are multifactorial in nature. Destruction of periodontal attachments is the result of interaction between genetic, environmental, bacterial and host factors. Although the critical role of dental plaque in the etiology of periodontal disease is well established, it does not explain the difference in susceptibility of given population or individuals to periodontitis. It is well known that the primary etiology of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque. However, patients affected by early onset periodontitis (or aggressive periodontitis) often present with impaired immune function, mainly neutrophil dysfunction. Therefore, periodontal diseases must be prevented and diagnosed early in the life.