Which of the following is not a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Regular dental check-ups are not a risk factor for periodontal disease; rather, they are beneficial in preventing and managing it. Routine visits to the dentist allow for early detection and treatment of periodontal issues before they progress. In contrast, other listed factors, such as smoking tobacco, diabetes, and hormonal changes, are associated with increased risk and severity of periodontal disease. Smoking can impair blood flow, affecting healing and contributing to gum disease. Diabetes can affect blood sugar levels, which in turn can lead to more significant periodontal issues by impairing the body's ability to fight infections. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can also affect gum health by making gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Thus, regular dental check-ups serve as a proactive measure to reduce the risk of periodontal disease instead of being a contributing factor.