Exploring the Genetic Basis of Periodontal Diseases–A Review.

ABSTRACT

The periodontal disease is initiated by microbial plaque, which accumulates in the gingival crevice & induces an inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to chronic gingivitis, which is reversible & may later progress as periodontitis, by destruction of bone & other tooth-supporting structures. Although present in most of the population, the risk for periodontal disease is not uniform for all individuals. About 10-15% of the population develops severe destruction of the periodontal structures leading to early loss of the tooth. This inflammatory response leading to periodontal destruction is assumed to have a genetic basis. It is now recognized that poor oral hygiene alone cannot account for severe destructive periodontal disease, that certain individuals are at relatively high risk of periodontal destruction and that the risk is partly under genetic control. The microbial causation of the inflammatory periodontal disease is well established. There are however other elements that influence the inflammatory and immune response both locally and systemically. These include systemic disease such as diabetes and environmental factors such as smoking and possibly stress. The effectiveness of an individual’s immune response may influence the extent of periodontal destruction. The role of genetic factors in the causation of peridontitis is worthy of in depth discussion.