Other Periodontal Risk Factors
Although plaque causes periodontal diseases, many factors can influence your susceptibility.

Tobacco users are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease and loose teeth. Smoking also affects healing and diminishes the body’s ability to regrow bone and gum.

Pregnancy and hormonal changes can place the body more at risk for periodontal disease, and pre-existing periodontal diseases can become more severe. Click on Women and Periodontal Disease.

Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight infections including periodontal disease.

Medications such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, hormones and certain heart drugs (Calcium channel blockers) can have adverse effects on the gum and bone.

Blood pressure pills such as PROCARDIA cause gum swelling as a side effect.

Clenching or grinding your teeth. These habits can transfer excessive stress through the teeth to the bone and can speed up the rate at which tissues are destroyed.

Diabetes Periodontal diseases can be more severe in uncontrolled diabetics. In addition, untreated periodontal disease can make it harder for diabetics to keep their diabetes under control.

Poor Nutrition. A diet deficient in important nutrients can make more difficult to fight off infection.

Systemic diseases that interferes with the body’s immune system may worsen the condition of the gums and untreated periodontal disease may worsen systemic disease. (For more information link to and.)

Genetic Susceptibility. A gene has been identified that controls your susceptibility to plaque. Your likelihood of developing periodontal diseases increases with the number of risk factors you have. It is, therefore, in your best interest to control as many of them as possible.