Which periodontal condition can primarily be due to dental plaque accumulation?

Chronic periodontitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of dental plaque leading to the destruction of the periodontal tissues. This condition is characterized by inflammation and deepening of the periodontal pockets, loss of attachment, and alveolar bone loss as a result of the body’s host response to the bacterial biofilm present in dental plaque. Dental plaque buildup serves as the main initiating factor for this condition, contributing to the persistence and progression of periodontal disease in susceptible individuals.

In contrast, localized aggressive periodontitis tends to occur in younger patients and is associated with specific microbial patterns and host immune responses rather than just plaque accumulation. Desquamative gingivitis is primarily associated with mucosal conditions, often linked to systemic diseases or allergies, rather than plaque directly causing periodontal destruction. Primary occlusal trauma refers to trauma due to occlusal forces impacting the teeth rather than a direct result of plaque build-up. Thus, the direct relationship between chronic periodontitis and plaque accumulation verifies it as the correct choice in this context.