It is likely the alveolar bone loss occurs earlier than chronic periodontitis, and periodontitis can exacerbate the periodontal defects in DSPP-deficient mice as chronic periodontitis itself could also cause alveolar bone loss and PDL damage.18Gibson et al mentioned it remained to be seen whether treating and preventing chronic periodontitis could slow or save periodontal defects in DSPP-deficient mice. This evidence concerns the gene DSPP and periodontitis.