Children, adolescents and periodontal diseases

This manuscript attempts to critically review current literature regarding the natural history, aetiology and pathogenesis of the common periodontal diseases to affect children and adolescents. The logic behind the emergence of a new classification in the early 1990s is explained and potential problems with the interpretation of such systems outlined.

The manuscript focuses upon recent developments, reported in the international periodontal literature, aimed at unraveling the molecular basis for this group of diseases. The concept of one disease type progressing with time to another disease within the same individual is discussed, and early data presented that indicate the possibility of microbial transmission from deciduous to permanent dentition's within a subject.

It is concluded that differing classification systems for adolescent and childhood periodontal diseases may lead to confusion within the dental profession, unless the clinical and molecular basis for such diseases is fully understood. Further advances in basic research using molecular biology tools should assist in our understanding of the aetiopathology at a molecular level and hopefully lead to the development of new treatment strategies.