A number of diseases may contribute to early tooth loss in children. Some children have trouble fighting off infections because their body's natural defense systems are impaired. The chemotaxis problem may cause localized prepubertal periodontitis, which is an acute disease of the gums and dental supporting structures in children. Since this prevents white cells from reaching the site of an infection, leukocyte adhesion deficiency may lead to generalized prepubertal periodontitis in young children.
Some children have metabolic disorders, such as poorly controlled diabetes, or hypophosphatasia.
Children with poorly controlled diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease due to a number of factors. Other children may be afflicted with a rare disease called hypophosphatasia. This happens because the low levels of serum alkaline phosphatase impairs the health of the suspensory ligaments, which hold the teeth in place. Two types of blood diseases which can affect children are neutropenia and leukemia. One of the first lines of defense against bacterial infections are the neutrophil cells.