Periodontics: 2. Risk factors and susceptibility in periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition initiated by microbial plaque but influenced by an array of factors that affect the development and progression of the disease. This paper summarizes the major risk factors for periodontal disease and the potential to modify specific factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The assessment of patients with periodontal diseases must include an evaluation of risk and susceptibility. While removal of bacterial plaque and plaque-retentive factors remains the focus of treatment, for successful, long-term management of periodontal diseases, it is also important to eliminate known risk factors.
Irwin
Chris
C
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast, School of Clinical Dentistry, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BP, Northern Ireland.
Mullally
Brian
B
Ziada
Hassan
H
Allen
Edith
E
Byrne
Patrick J
PJ
D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications