Volume 4 Issue 8 Aug 2014
Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Focus: ‘Dentistry’
Stress is a state when demands exceed the resources and disturb homeostasis. It is an adaptation process in which human beings react both physically and mentally to changes, events, and situations in their lives. Psychosocial stress affects the oral cavity as much as they do to our body and minds. The mechanism of action appears to be a combination of complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
Following are the direct effects of stress on the oral cavity:
- Bruxism (Clenching of teeth): Stress induces bruxism during sleep leading to wearing away of teeth, a condition called attrition.
- Aphthous ulcers and canker sores: can occur due to stressful situations and are often painful.
- Xerostomia: is the dryness of oral cavity which can be induced by stress.
- Premalignant lesions like Lichen Planus are reported to occur due to stress as a main etiological agent.
- Stress can also initiate or aggravate a pre-existing temporomandibular joint disorder.
- Psychological disorders have been linked to exaggeration of connective tissue and alveolar bone seen in the multifactorial periodontal disease (gum disease).
Indirect effects of stress can also affect the oral cavity. Stress related habits like smoking, alcoholism and drug use adversely affect oral health. An overall negative approach to life can also impair effective oral hygiene practices and balanced diet intake which in turn has undesirable impacts on the oral cavity.
Stress is very common in day to day life. Hence everyone should learn how to prevent as well as manage stress effectively. Lead a stress free life and keep smiling always!
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Periodontics
Melaka – Manipal Medical College, Malaysia
