Introduction
Periodontal diseases in children and adolescents are common. Periodontal tissues in children and adolescents have anatomical and developmental features that differ from those of adults. These differences influence the clinical appearance of gingival inflammation and may modify periodontal disease expression during growth, eruption, and mixed dentition.
Diagnosis and treatment for periodontal diseases in children and adolescents require consideration of growth, mixed dentition, and hormonal changes. Risk assessment and preventive strategies are often extrapolated from adult evidence despite limited paediatric-specific data, and conventional procedures such as periodontal probing and flossing may be less tolerated by young children.
Although periodontal diseases are extensively studied in adults, their presentation, diagnosis, and management in children and adolescents have received comparatively little attention. Existing frameworks, including the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases and conditions and the European Federation of Periodontology S3 clinical practice guidelines, provide limited guidance specific to younger populations. This gap highlights the need to evaluate whether current approaches are appropriate for paediatric clients.
Consensus report
A consensus report, jointly published by the European Federation of Periodontology and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, addresses the long-standing gap in oral health guidance by assessing how periodontal diseases present, are diagnosed, and should be managed in younger populations.
This consensus report organizes periodontal diseases and conditions into three categories:
- Gingival and periodontal diseases and conditions in youth with systemic diseases.
- Gingival diseases and conditions in systemically healthy youth.
- Periodontitis and other periodontal conditions in systemically healthy youth.
This consensus report offers guidance on management strategies and outlines special considerations for periodontal care in younger populations.
Conclusions
Periodontal tissues in children and adolescents differ from those in adults, and their assessment and management must account for growth, development, and age-specific predisposing and modifying factors. These factors can complicate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. Safe and effective care therefore requires developmentally appropriate screening, examination, and treatment. Routine assessment of gingival tissues, adapted to each client’s needs and level of cooperation, together with family involvement, can support early detection, prevent disease progression, and improve lifelong oral health. Strengthening paediatric epidemiological evidence and clinical guidance will help oral health clinicians tailor care and advance a proactive, population-based approach to prevention.
