Periodontal and soft tissue prevention strategies for the adolescent dental patient.

Recent research has refocused attention on the contribution of periodontal health to the general health of patients at various ages. This article describes changes in the periodontal tissues of adolescent dental patients related to hormonal fluctuations, lack of proper oral hygiene, and risk-taking behaviors. Attention is placed on the development and prevention of acute and chronic gingival conditions in addition to gingival tissue enlargement as one side effect of certain medications.