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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Factors that can increase your risk of periodontitis include:

  • Gingivitis
  • Heredity
  • Poor oral health habits
  • Tobacco use
  • Diabetes
  • Older age
  • Decreased immunity, such as that occurring with leukemia or HIV/AIDS
  • Poor nutrition
  • Certain medications
  • Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy
  • Substance abuse
  • Ill-fitting dental restorations
  • Lower socioeconomic status
Complications Causes

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
  • Gingivitis

    • Section Focus
    Related Links
    Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
References
  1. Nguyen HD, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
  2. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
  3. Neville et al. Periodontal diseases. In: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:154.
  4. The use and handling of toothbrushes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
  5. Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp. Accessed Oct. 23, 2008.
  6. Loesche W. Dental caries and periodontitis: Contrasting two infections that have medical implications. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2007;21:471.
  7. Tanner ACR, et al. Clinical and other risk indicators for early periodontitis in adults. Journal of Periodontology. 2005;76(4):573.

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Nov. 22, 2008

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