Periodontal diseases are a group of pathological conditions of the supporting tissues of
the teeth. They are generally accepted as polymicrobial infections elicited by a complex of
bacterial species that interact with the release of a broad array of inflammatory cytokines,
chemokines and mediators from the host, some of which lead to destruction of the structures of
the periodontium and alveolar bone [1]. The purpose of this chapter is to give the reader a brief
overview of factors which are considered as risk factors for development of periodontal diseases.
