Periodontitis is a group of heterogenous diseases resulting from an irreversible destruction of the periodontal tissues. Juvenile periodontitis typically occurs in the pre-teen to late-teen years, and is characterized by marked inflammation of the gums, and heavy accumulation of plaque and calculus. Pockets are formed around the teeth, which fill up with infection. The infection, can ultimately lead to bone loss, causing the teeth to become loose. The front teeth and the six-year molars are the most commonly affected teeth. Major differences between PPP and adult peridontisis lie in the age of onset of the disease, the rapid rate of diseases progression, manifestations of defects in host response, and in the composition of subgingival microflora. The disease is often associated with severe congenital defects of hematological origin and alterations in neutrophil chemotaxis function.
Periodontal probing and analysis of dental radiographs is usually enough for diagnosis of PPP. Important differential diagnoses to be considered include Histiocytosis X and Burkitt's lymphoma. If PPP is accompanied with hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, it is referred to as Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome. Good oral hygiene is the best method of prevention of the disease. If treatment is delayed, continued loss of alveolar bone may require extraction of the teeth.
Periodontic diseases are generally though to involve interplay of environmental and genetic factors. The importance of a genetic factor is, however, more important in the case of early onset periodontitis. Several reports have described families with many members affected with PPP. Recent studies have gethered evidence suggesting CTSC (Cathepsin C) on chromosome 11 to be the causative gene for the disease.