Comparative Assessment of Salivary Level of Cortisol, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Oral Conditions: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cortisol, as the main human glucocorticoid, is considered to be a biological marker of stress and anxiety. It is suggested that stress with its presumed effects on the immune system, constitutes one of the major causative agents for oral mucosal alterations. Methodology: To enable the study of gender-based differences in stress, salivary alpha-amylase levels and oral lesions, an equal gender distribution was guaranteed. The individuals were then given a clinical examination to look for oral mucosal alterations caused by stress, such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, oral lichen planus, dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome. To identify Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs), which are also linked to stress, trigger points, masticatory muscles and TMJs were examined. Results: 80 participants made up the research team, ranging in age from 24-47 years for the experimental group and 27-50 years for the control group. There was an equal number of men and women in both groups. The investigation group’s average age was 33.70 years, compared to 31.93 years for the control group (p=0.16). The study group’s female participants exhibited stress levels that ranged from 5% (N=1) for light stress to 40% (N=8) for severe stress (p=0.10). Conclusion: However, there was no connection between oral alterations and salivary alpha-amylase.