Clinicians know that poor oral hygiene is among the main causes of periodontal disease however, patients' everyday habits could slowly be eroding their dental health. Here are 10 causes of periodontal disease that your patients should be mindful of:

1. Bad eating habits: Teeth and gums are largely affected by what your patients eat and the kind of diet they follow. A diet that is rich in sugar or starch may relish taste buds, but may have a negative impact on dental health.
2.  Hormonal changes: Gums become sensitive and prone to developing gingivitis or periodontal disease due to hormonal changes in the body during puberty, pregnancy and so on.
3. Teeth grinding: They may not realize it, but if your patients have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth, they are likely to  develop periodontitis. Teeth clenching or grinding can weaken teeth over time making them prone to conditions like periodontal disease.
4. Ill-fitting dental restorations: It is essential for patients to get dental restorations like dentures from experienced cosmetic dentists to reduce their chances of getting dental fixtures that do not fit well. They can cause infection by leading to gum irritation.
5. Overall health condition: Patients are likely to develop periodontal disease if they suffer from poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, or AIDS.
6. Medication: Certain medications, especially those recommended for heart disease and depression can influence the saliva production in the mouth. Certain medicines can also cause gum tissue overgrowth, making it difficult for patients to keep gums clean.
7. Heredity: If there have been cases of periodontitis in your patients' family, the chances are that the disease may affect them too. Regular dental visits coupled with good oral hygiene can reduce their risk.
8. Stress: Stress from work, or relationships, can affect your patients' immune system’s ability to fight infections, thereby leading to periodontitis.
9. Smoking or tobacco consumption: If your patients have the habit of smoking or chewing tobacco, they stand at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, as the habit may affect the self-repairing ability of their gums.
10. AGE: Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.