Which of the following is a predisposing factor for periodontal disease?

• A. Occlusion
• B. Misaligned teeth
• C. Hypercementosis
• D. Fluoride intake

Answer: (B)

Misaligned teeth create crowded, irregular spaces that are hard to clean effectively. Plaque biofilm tends to accumulate in those areas, especially along the gum line, and persistent plaque triggers gingival inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to periodontal disease with attachment and bone loss. So, misalignment predisposes to periodontal disease by promoting plaque retention and making self-care less effective.

Occlusion can influence the periodontium through stress or traumatic bite, but it isn’t a primary driver of inflammatory periodontal disease in the same way plaque buildup is. Hypercementosis is an abnormal cementum condition and doesn’t by itself predispose to periodontal inflammation. Fluoride intake mainly affects caries risk rather than periodontal disease.