Risk Factors For Periodontal Disease

July 2, 2009 by admin · 2 Comments
Filed under: Dental Health, Periodontal disease 
  • Smoking.  Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis.  Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of some treatments.
  • Hormonal changes in girls/ women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease.
  • Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
  • Medications. Some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva.  (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
  • Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums.
  • Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.

Next- more on periodontal disease!