Which risk factor can be eliminated to improve periodontal treatment outcomes?

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor that negatively impacts periodontal health and treatment outcomes. Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption have been shown to impair immune responses, reduce the effectiveness of periodontal therapies, and contribute to disease progression. Eliminating tobacco use can lead to improved healing, better clinical outcomes, and a lower risk of periodontal disease recurrence following treatment. Because tobacco has such a direct and detrimental effect on oral health, addressing this factor is crucial for enhancing the success of periodontal interventions and overall patient outcomes.

In contrast, calcium intake, oral rinses, and fluoride treatment are generally considered supportive measures rather than direct risk factors associated with adverse periodontal outcomes. While these elements play important roles in maintaining oral health, they are not risk factors in the same way that tobacco use is. Therefore, focusing on the elimination of tobacco use provides a clear and actionable path to improve periodontal treatment results.