Periodontal health and disease: The contribution of genetics

Periodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory disease that is associated with a complex interplay between specific bacteria, host response, and environmental factors. Because of its high degree of familial aggregation, specifically for the more aggressive forms of the disease, genetics factors have been implicated in disease pathogenesis for several decades. This review provides an overview of what we currently know regarding the genetic and epigenetic contributions to periodontal disease and discusses future opportunities in the field.

Automated summary

Periodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory disease that is influenced by the interaction of specific bacteria, host response, and environmental factors. Genetic factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease, particularly for the more aggressive forms, due to its high degree of familial aggregation. This review provides an overview of the genetic and epigenetic contributions to periodontal disease and discusses future opportunities in the field.