Researchers found that 57% of the studies included in a literature review showed a strong relationship between periodontal diseases and psychological factors such as stress, distress, anxiety, depression and loneliness...
Stress May Leave Your Mouth a Mess
Stress may play a role in the development of periodontal diseases.
CHICAGO—August 8, 2007—A literature review published in the August 2007 issue of the Journal of
Periodontology (JOP) saw a strong relationship between stress and periodontal diseases; 57% of the studies included in the review showed a positive relationship between periodontal diseases and
psychological factors such as stress, distress, anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Literature Review Abstract *
“More research is needed to determine the definitive relationship between stress and periodontal diseases”
said study author Daiane Peruzzo, PhD. “However, patients who minimize stress may be at less risk for periodontal disease.”
Researchers speculate that the hormone cortisol may play a role in the possible connection between stress and periodontal diseases.
A study in the July issue of the JOP*
found that increased levels of cortisol can lead to more destruction of the gums and bone due to periodontal diseases.
It is well known that periodontal diseases left untreated can ultimately lead to bone loss or tooth loss.
“Individuals with high stress levels tend to increase their bad habits, which can be harmful to periodontal health. They are less
attentive to their oral hygiene and may increase their use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs,” explained
Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP president.
“Patients should seek healthy ways to relieve stress through exercise, balanced eating, plenty of sleep and maintaining a positive
mental attitude.”
Patients should to also keep in mind their “pocket size guide” to periodontal health; periodontal probing depths
of one to two millimeters with no bleeding are not a concern but probing depths of three and four millimeters
may need a more in depth cleaning called scaling and root planing. Probing depths in excess of 5mm may require more advanced treatment
and patients should talk to their dental specialist.
* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive copies
of these JOP studies:
Abstracts of
Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed
by AAP members and
Journal subscribers or purchased online.
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry's experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members worldwide.
Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy's risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.
Media Only
To schedule an interview with an AAP spokesperson or for more information, please contact Meg Dempsey at
312-573-3242 or
meg@perio.org.
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