Risk Assessment and Management of Periodontal Diseases and Pathologies in Pediatric Dental Patients

Abstract

This best practice supports clinicians in assessing risk for and clinical decision making in the management of periodontal diseases and pathologies in pediatric dental patients. This document highlights principles of periodontal disease diagnosis, risk assessment, and therapies to be applied to pediatric dental patients with special considerations for individuals with special health care needs when indicated. Recommendations on the management of contributing factors and conditions that increase the risk of periodontal disease and pathologies, as well as treatment considerations on the use of adjunctive antibiotics and surgical therapies are reviewed. Special attention is focused on care coordination, collaborations, and referral of care to specialists. In cases where the published data regarding periodontal diseases and pathologies among children and adolescents was limited, recommendations were extrapolated from evidenced-based literature among adult patients, as well as on the consensus opinions of the working group. 

This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer information and guidance regarding risk assessment and management of periodontal diseases and pathologies in pediatric dental patients. 

^{KEYWORDS:  CHILD, ADOLESCENT, PERIODONTAL DISEASE, PERIODONTAL RISK ASSESSMENT, ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY, PERIODONTAL THERAPY}