Understanding a commercially available genetic susceptibility test for periodontitis

This article addresses the biologic basis, data, and controversies associated with a commercially available genetic susceptibility test for adult periodontitis. Reviewed data suggest that patients who demonstrate specific alleles of the interleukin-1A and interleukin-1B genes are more prone to develop severe periodontitis than patients without these variations. In addition, numerous issues related to genetic evaluations are examined (e.g., odds ratios, longitudinal vs cross-sectional studies, screening vs management tests, predispositional testing for multifactorial diseases, and potential uses of genetic testing). Current recommendations suggest that clinicians proceed with caution when interpreting test results because many issues associated with genetic susceptibility testing for periodontitis need to be clarified before therapies are altered based on an uncertain future.