Effects of systemic diseases on the periodontium.

A number of systemic diseases have been associated with manifestations on the periodontal tissues, the nature and severity of which may vary considerably. Two main categories of systemic diseases are covered in this report: those that may influence the initiation, progression, and severity of plaque-induced periodontal disease, and those that affect the periodontal tissues regardless of the presence of periodontal (i.e., inflammatory) disease. The category of systemic diseases that alter the liability to plaque-related disease includes primary immunodeficiencies, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, congenital disorders, and Crohn's disease. The second category includes systemic diseases that affect mainly the gingivae, causing enlargement, ulceration, red and white lesions, and hyperpigmentation.