It is possible to develop periodontal disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing periodontal disease. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your dentist or doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Lifestyle Factors

Poor oral hygiene is the most important risk factor.
Smoking—Smoking greatly increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. It also greatly reduces the chance that treatments for periodontal disease will be effective.
Poor nutrition—An unhealthy diet, such as one that is high in fat and low in vitamin C, can increase your chance of periodontal disease.
Stress—Stress can reduce your body’s ability to fight off the infection that prompts periodontal disease.
Clenching or grinding your teeth due to stress may increase your chance of periodontal disease.

Conditions

Conditions that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome—A condition marked by elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body weight. Excess weight centered around the midsection is of particular concern.
In girls and women: conditions that cause changes in hormone levels, such as
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Cancer
AIDS
Osteoporosis
Herpes infections
Autoimmune diseases, including
- Crohn disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- CREST syndrome—a severe type of skin disorder
Down syndrome
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Amyloidosis
Tuberculosis
Syphilis

Medications

Taking certain medicines can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, such as:

Birth control pills
Antidepressants
Heart medications
Medications used to treat seizures
Chemotherapy medicines for cancer treatment
Medicines used to treat AIDS
Immunosuppressant medications

Age

Your risk of developing periodontal disease increases as you age.

Gender

Women are more likely than men to develop periodontitis. This is probably because of hormonal changes that women experience throughout their life cycle.

Genetic Factors

There seems to be a genetic tendency for certain people to develop periodontitis.

Other Factors

Other factors that may increase your risk of periodontitis include:

Having badly fitting dentures and/or uneven fillings or crowns
Being a habitual mouth breather

References:

Gum disease risk factors. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: https://www.perio.org/consumer/risk-factors. Accessed August 17, 2016.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease. NIH SeniorHealth website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 17, 2016.

Periodontal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated March 10, 2015. Accessed August 17, 2016.

Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 17, 2016.

5/28/2014 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Nibali L, Tatarakis N, et al. Clinical review: Association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(3):913-920.

Last reviewed February 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Last Updated: 4/6/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.