Which statement is true about periodontal disease risk factors?

• A. Smoking and diabetes are major risk factors
• B. Regular brushing alone prevents periodontal disease
• C. Fluoride intake is the sole determinant
• D. Age is the only risk factor

Answer: (A)

Periodontal disease risk factors are multifactorial, and two factors stand out as major because they strongly influence the body's ability to fight infection and heal. Smoking markedly lowers gum blood flow, alters immune response, and can mask early signs like bleeding, allowing disease to progress before it’s noticed. Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, increases inflammation, impairs collagen production and healing, and amplifies tissue destruction in response to plaque. Because these factors have a proven, direct impact on disease progression, they’re recognized as major risk factors.

Regular brushing helps reduce plaque but isn’t enough to prevent periodontal disease on its own, since other factors beyond surface plaque influence progression. Fluoride mainly protects against dental caries, not the inflammatory processes of periodontitis. Age may be associated with higher prevalence, but it’s not the only risk factor, and people of various ages can be affected depending on other conditions.