Periodontal diseases in young individuals.

The prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases in young people are significant. Recent progress in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in this group of patients has allowed significant improvement in periodontal classifications. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans characteristically is the major pathogen involved; black-pigmented anaerobic rods and other organisms can also be important. Treatment of periodontitis should focus on meticulous plaque control and eradication of periodontal pathogens, possibly by means of systemic or topical antimicrobial therapies.