title: Risk factors associated with periodontal breakdown.
abstract: It is the intention of the authors to review previous reports of risk indicators for periodontal disease and correlate them according to their usefulness in the clinical arena. Cross-sectional as well as longitudinal studies have indicated possible risk factors associated with periodontal disease. A single aetiological factor cannot predict progression, but rather a multifactorial aetiology is needed for a prognosticatory diagnosis. Many contributing factors are noted. Age, smoking, diabetes, neutropenia, Down's syndrome, and the number of remaining teeth are some of those considered to be of influence. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, race, socio-economic factors, frequency of dental visits, and previous attachment loss are host factors associated with periodontal disease. The purpose of this investigation is to review all possible risk factors in order to guide the clinician in determining which patients need conservative treatment or aggressive surgical therapy.
authors.affiliation: Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kearney
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors