Genetic disorders and periodontal health: A literaturereview

Periodontal diseases include a group of infl ammatory diseases characterized by progressive destructionof the periodontium. Dental plaque is the initiator of periodontal disease, but disease severityand response to treatment are determined predominantly by host-based risk factors. Genetic disorderscan modify the host defense mechanisms or infl uence the homeostasis of the periodontiumduring childhood, thus increasing patients’ susceptibility to periodontal disease. The periodontalmanifestations of these disorders may persist into adulthood. When dealing with periodontalproblems, particularly in children and adolescents, it is advisable to establish a differential diagnosisof periodontal disease due to systemic conditions. This paper reviews the current literatureconcerning the effect on periodontal health of genetic disorders such as connective tissue metabolismdisorders, metabolic disorders, skin disorders, leukocyte defects, and chromosome abnormalities.Treatment strategies of patients with genetic disorders affected by periodontal diseasesare also suggested according to the evidence available. In patients affected by genetic disorders,the response to treatment is not always as expected, and sometimes the progression of periodontaldisease is inevitable despite adequate maintenance treatment