Juvenile periodontitis: a review of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

Juvenile periodontitis (JP) and its treatment has become a critical concern to the practicing dentist. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been diagnosed as the prime etiological agent associated with this disease. Decreased chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes have also been described in these patients. The precise treatment regimen must be individualized for each patient. In addition to aggressive antibiotic therapy, root planing, curettage or a surgical approach, with mandatory follow-up care, should be considered. This review discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of JP and recommends treatment regimens, according to patient diagnosis.