The bacteria in plaque are the main cause of periodontal diseases, however there are several other factors like smoking, diabetes, some immune diseases, medicines and bad oral habits which could accelerate bone loss.
These factors can increase your risk of gum disease or make it worse once the infection has set in.
Genetics: Some people are more likely than others to get periodontal disease due to genetics. But your genes do not make gum disease inevitable. Even people who are highly prone to periodontal disease can prevent or control the disease with good oral care.
Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease. The longer you smoke, and the more you smoke, the higher the risk. If you have periodontal disease, smoking makes it more severe.
Crowded teeth, braces or bridgework: Anything that makes it more difficult to brush or clean between your teeth is likely to enhance plaque and tartar formation. The more plaque and tartar you have, the greater your chance of developing gum disease.
Stress: Stress can make periodontal disease worse and harder to treat. Stress weakens your body's immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
Fluctuating hormones: Whenever hormone levels go up and down in the body, changes can occur in the mouth. Puberty and pregnancy can temporarily increase the risk and severity of gum disease as can menopause.
Medicines: Several types of medicines can cause dry mouth or excessive gum growth. Examples include certain drugs for depression, high blood pressure and epilepsy. If you don't have enough saliva, plaque is more likely to form causing tooth decay (cavities) as well as gum disease.
Diseases: Some medical conditions increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Diabetics are more likely to get periodontitis than people without diabetes. Their gum disease is also likely to be more severe. Other diseases that can increase periodontal disease risk include inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and HIV infection. Having one of these diseases can make the control of your periodontal disease more difficult. But a good periodontist or dentist who is aware of these problems can give you guidance on how to maintain your periodontal health. Once gum disease is controlled, blood sugar levels in diabetics usually become more stable.
Poor nutrition: Nutrition is important for overall good health, including a working immune system and healthy gums and mouth. Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums.