What are the three major categories of periodontal diseases recognized in the 2017 classification?

• A. Dental biofilm-induced, non-dental biofilm-induced, and peri-implant diseases
• B. Periodontal health, dental biofilm-induced gingivitis, and necrotizing periodontal diseases
• C. Periodontal health, dental biofilm-induced gingivitis, and nondental biofilm-induced gingivitis
• D. Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III periodontitis

Answer: (C)

The correct answer identifies three major categories of periodontal diseases as defined in the 2017 classification: periodontal health, dental biofilm-induced gingivitis, and nondental biofilm-induced gingivitis. This classification emphasizes the importance of understanding the different conditions related to periodontal health and disease, reflecting the growing evidence of their distinct pathophysiology and the need for differentiated management strategies.

Periodontal health represents the absence of disease and the maintenance of healthy periodontal tissues. Dental biofilm-induced gingivitis highlights diseases primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque, with gingival inflammation being reversible upon proper oral hygiene. Nondental biofilm-induced gingivitis refers to gingival conditions that arise due to systemic factors such as hormonal changes, medications, or specific diseases, which can be independent of dental plaque presence.

This framework allows clinicians to accurately assess and categorize periodontal disease, facilitate proper diagnosis, and choose appropriate treatment plans. Other options provided in the question do not accurately outline the classification as recognized in 2017, either by including categories that are not primary classifications or by not aligning with the established framework that differentiates between conditions based on their etiologies.