Position paper: epidemiology of periodontal diseases. American Academy of Periodontology.

This paper was prepared by the research, Science, and Therapy Committee of The American Academy of Periodontology and is intended for the information of the dental profession. It represents the position of the Academy in regard to the current state of knowledge about the epidemiology of periodontal diseases. Some reference is made to topics that are presented in Tobacco. Use and the Periodontal Patient and Periodontal Considerations in the HIV-Positive Patient, though this paper takes an epidemiological perspective rather than one emphasizing patient care.