Periodontal diseases have afflicted humans since the dawn of his tory. Oral hygiene is practiced since ancient times. Sushruta Samhita contains numerous descriptions of severe periodontal disease with loose teeth and purulent discharge from gingiva. Our understanding of the causes of periodontal disease have changed greatly over time. The past inabilities of generalists to pinpoint systemic causes are being overcome with the application of modern epidemiologic and clinical research approaches.