Topics in Periodontology

Risk Factors for Periodontology

From the DentTest dentistry textbook. Last updated 6 August 2026.

Modifiable risk factors:

  • Microbial factors - specific bacteria

    • Porphyromonas gingivalis

    • Tannerella forsythia

    • Aggregatibacter acinomycetemcomitans

  • DM

  • Smoking / Vaping

  • Stress

  • Obesity

  • Osteoporosis

  • HIV

  • Nutrition

  • Medications

Non-modifiable risk factors:

  • Genetics

  • Age