title: Periodontics: 2. Risk factors and susceptibility in periodontitis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast, School of Clinical Dentistry, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BP, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mullally
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ziada
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Byrne
mesh_terms: 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