Although for most patients periodontal diseases are preventable with good oral hygiene, there are many factors which increase the probability of a patient developing periodontal disease.
- Smoking is thought to reduce gingival blood flow (thereby suppressing the signs and symptoms of gingivitis), impair wound healing and increase production of inflammation-mediating cytokines
- Poorly controlled diabetes enhances the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis and has an adverse effect on wound healing, making treatment of these patients more difficult
- There is a body of evidence indicating an association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease but there is currently no evidence that treatment of periodontal disease can improve cardiovascular outcomes
- A family history may predispose a patient to developing periodontitis
- Stress, diet, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the severity of periodontitis but currently the scientific evidence for these factors is weak
- Patients taking certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, phenytoin and ciclosporin, may be at risk of gingival enlargement
- The hormonal changes associated with adolescence and pregnancy have been implicated in the development of gingivitis and gingival enlargement
- Local risk factors, such as calculus, malpositioned teeth, overhanging restorations and partial dentures may also increase the risk of periodontal diseases