Risk factors play an important role in an individual's response to periodontal infection. The identification of these risk factors helps target patients for prevention and treatment, modifying the risk factors that are fundamental to the control of periodontal disease. The changes in our understanding of the prevalence of periodontal disease and the advances in scientific methodology and statistical analysis in recent decades have made it possible to identify several of the main systemic risk factors for periodontal disease. The first change in our way of thinking was the understanding that periodontal disease is not universal, but that severe forms are only found in a part of the adult population that shows abnormal susceptibility.
The analysis of risk factors and the ability to statistically adjust and stratify populations to eliminate the effects of confounding factors have made it possible to identify independent risk factors. These independent but modifiable risk factors for periodontal disease include lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. They also include diseases and unhealthy conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and low levels of calcium and vitamin D. These risk factors are modifiable and their treatment is an important component of contemporary care for many periodontal patients.
Genetic factors also play a role in periodontal disease and allow people to be targeted for prevention and early detection. The role of genetic factors in aggressive periodontitis is clear. However, despite genetic factors (that is, it is important to make efforts to identify genetic factors associated with chronic periodontitis), since these factors have the potential to identify patients who have a high susceptibility to the development of this disease. Many of the systemic risk factors for periodontal disease, such as smoking, diabetes, and obesity and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, are relatively common and are expected to affect most patients with periodontal disease who attend dental clinics and offices.
Therefore, the identification and management of risk factors have become a key component of periodontal patient care. Many studies have linked periodontal disease to tobacco use. Patients who smoke or use tobacco in any way (smoke-free, for dipping, snuffing, or chewing) have more serious periodontal disease than those who don't use tobacco. Tobacco users have more stone accumulation, deeper pockets and greater bone loss.
In addition, the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases with tobacco consumption. Periodontal disease, which ranges from mild to severe, is very common in our society. Nearly 50% of American adults over 30 years of age are affected by periodontal disease. That percentage increases to 70% in adults aged 65 and older.
So, what are some of the factors that increase our risk of developing periodontal disease and what risks can we mitigate? There are many risk factors that influence whether or not a person will develop periodontal disease in their lifetime, but this article will discuss some of the most common causes. There are numerous risk factors that influence whether or not a person may develop periodontal disease throughout their life, in this post we focus on the most common causes. Not all risk factors are created equal. Diabetes and smoking are the main risk factors for periodontal disease, as they increase the incidence, severity and speed of onset and progression.
The best way to prevent periodontal infections is to start with healthy gums and continue to maintain oral health with proper dental hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings with careful periodontal monitoring. A lack of good daily oral hygiene and a lack of regular dental appointments can lead to dental and periodontal problems. .
