For many people, by the time it's a problem the case is severe. The best protection against periodontitis is to see your dentist twice a year and ask for a periodontal checkup. There are warning signs that indicate bone and gum disease, but you can have an infection without having any of these signs. Control the risk factors and you can control your risk for periodontal disease. The No. 1 risk factor related to gum disease is smoking.
Smokers are four times more likely to have gum disease than nonsmokers are.
The good news is that smokers who quit for 11 years or longer are no more sensitive than someone who has never smoked. Genetics play a role. There is a test that will determine if you posses a gene that makes you three times more likely to get gum disease. It's estimated that 30 percent of the population have the gene. If you know you have the gene for periodontal disease, you can take steps to prevent developing a problem People with diabetes, people taking certain heart medications, and people taking antidepressants are at risk.