Psychological stress: Its effect on periodontal status of individuals

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth. Growing evidence suggests that the psychosocial factors such as stress, depression, and level of social support provoke changes in host defense mechanisms that modify the disease process. Aims: This study aimed to determine if any correlation existed between social support, stress, and periodontal status of individuals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 630 subjects (aged 25-70 years) suffering from chronic periodontitis. Questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection. Oral hygiene status and periodontal status were assessed using plaque index and clinical attachment level. Results: The data were analyzed by using statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. Periodontitis showed a significant correlation with work tension, economic problems, plaque index, and unsecured job. Conclusion: Stress is an important risk factor for periodontal disease and has a confounding effect in presence of plaque on the periodontal status. We suggest that patients who are under stress should be provided meticulous periodontal care to avoid worsening of periodontal disease.

Keywords

• Periodontitis
• plaque
• psychological stress