Is the 2018 American Academy of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions Useful for Children and Adolescents?

According to the World Health Organisation, periodontal diseases remain amongst the most common diseases globally. In 2017, the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions, organised by the European Federation of Periodontology and American Academy of Periodontology, led to the publication of the 2018 Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. Since then, this classification has been widely used. Disease classification is essential for accurate and universal diagnosis, treatment planning and standardised communication among health professionals. It is also vital for research and health epidemiology. Although the age is not a criterion in the current classification of periodontal diseases, the distinct features of the early dentition and periodontal tissues in children and adolescents suggest that a reassessment is needed to determine whether the 2018 Classification can be applied to this specific group. This review aimed to critically examine the applicability of the 2018 Classification of periodontal diseases for children and adolescents and to discuss the need for potential changes to better reflect the unique characteristics of periodontal conditions in younger populations. This review concludes that while the 2018. Classification is broadly applicable, certain modifications or additions may be necessary to more accurately reflect periodontal conditions in younger populations. It highlights the need for further research and critical evaluation to enhance the classification’s clinical utility in paediatric cohorts.