Overview
Aggressive periodontitis (also sometimes called juvenile periodontitis or early-onset periodontitis) is a serious gum disease that destroys the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place. Unlike common gum disease, it progresses very quickly and often affects young people — including teenagers and young adults — who may otherwise appear healthy. The disease is linked to problems with how the immune system fights bacteria in the mouth, particularly a bacterium called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In many cases, it is connected to defects in white blood cells called neutrophils, which are the body's first line of defense against infection. This is why aggressive periodontitis is classified under immune system disorders (ICD-10: D71). The main signs include rapid loss of the bone around teeth, loose teeth, deep pockets between the gums and teeth, and sometimes tooth loss at a young age. Some people have a localized form affecting mainly the first molars and front teeth, while others have a generalized form affecting most of the mouth. Pain is not always present, which can delay diagnosis. Treatment focuses on controlling the bacterial infection through deep cleaning procedures, antibiotics (such as metronidazole and amoxicillin), and in some cases surgery. Regular follow-up with a periodontist is essential. While treatment can slow or stop the disease, damage already done to bone and tissue is often permanent. Early diagnosis is key to preserving teeth and preventing further bone loss.
Key symptoms:
Loose or shifting teeth, especially in young peopleTeeth that feel like they are moving or spreading apartDeep pockets or gaps between the gums and teethGums that bleed easily when brushing or flossingReceding gums that make teeth look longerRapid bone loss around teeth visible on dental X-raysBad breath that does not go awayTooth loss at a young ageSwollen or red gumsSensitivity in teeth due to exposed roots
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Juvenile
Begins in the teen years
FDA & Trial Timeline
4 eventsSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Kafrelsheikh University — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Aggressive periodontitis.
3 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Aggressive periodontitis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Aggressive periodontitis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Aggressive periodontitis
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: The Effect of Leukocyte and Platelet-rich Fibrin With Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Aggressive Periodontitis
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Aggressive periodontitis
New recruiting trial: A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab in Study Participants With Palmoplantar Pustulosis
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Aggressive periodontitis
New recruiting trial: B Cell Functions in Periodontitis
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Aggressive periodontitis
New recruiting trial: Single-cell and Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of Gingival Tissues in Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis: Deciphering Cellular Heterogeneity and Inflammatory Microenvironment Features
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Aggressive periodontitis
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How advanced is my bone loss, and which teeth are most at risk?,Should I be tested for an underlying immune system problem that might be causing this?,Is the combination antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin and metronidazole) right for my case?,Do other members of my family need to be checked for this condition?,How often do I need maintenance visits, and what happens if I miss them?,Is bone grafting or surgery an option for me, and would it help?,Are there any new treatments or clinical trials I should know about?
Common questions about Aggressive periodontitis
What is Aggressive periodontitis?
Aggressive periodontitis (also sometimes called juvenile periodontitis or early-onset periodontitis) is a serious gum disease that destroys the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place. Unlike common gum disease, it progresses very quickly and often affects young people — including teenagers and young adults — who may otherwise appear healthy. The disease is linked to problems with how the immune system fights bacteria in the mouth, particularly a bacterium called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In many cases, it is connected to defects in white blood cells called neutrophils, which
How is Aggressive periodontitis inherited?
Aggressive periodontitis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Aggressive periodontitis typically begin?
Typical onset of Aggressive periodontitis is juvenile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Aggressive periodontitis?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Aggressive periodontitis on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Aggressive periodontitis?
25 specialists and care centers treating Aggressive periodontitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.