The clinical signs and symptoms of periodontosis have been described. Although initially described as a degenerative, noninflammatory disease, recent evidence suggests that periodontosis is inflammatory, with virulent gram-negative microorganisms, selective immune deficiencies, dysfunction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, genetic predisposition, or any combination of these as possible etiologic factors. Several authors have, therefore, advocated replacing the term periodontosis, which implies a degenerative disease, with destructive or idiopathic juvenile periodontitis. Although various treatments have been proposed, a definitive therapy for the disease depends on the future elucidation of the specific causative factors.