title: Periodontal diseases of children and adolescents.
abstract: Children and adolescents are subject to several periodontal diseases. Although there is a much lower prevalence of destructive periodontal diseases in children than in adults, children can develop severe forms of periodontitis. In some cases, this destructive disease is a manifestation of a known underlying systemic disease. In other young patients, the underlying cause for increased susceptibility and early onset of disease is unknown. These diseases are often familial, suggesting a genetic predisposition for aggressive disease. Current modalities for managing periodontal diseases of children and adolescents may include antibiotic therapy in combination with non-surgical and/or surgical therapy. Since early diagnosis ensures the greatest chance for successful treatment, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D010520:Aggressive Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000473:pathology*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009336:Necrosis; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States