Role of Genetics in Pathogenesis of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial inflammatory disease that affects tissues supporting the teeth. It can result in irreversible loss of periodontal attachment and destruction of adjacent alveolar bone leading to increased tooth mobility and finally to exfoliation. Etiology is complex and multifactorial including genetic and non-genetic environmental factors. Non-genetic factors are well known and confirmed by many studies. However, it is not clear how a genetic susceptibility to periodontitis is determined. Families with several individuals suffering from aggressive periodontitis are not rare. When life style habits and nutritional factors are excluded as major etiological factors, a genetic background shared with close relatives and passed over generations becomes an important factor