Unveiling the role of stress in periodontal etiopathogenesis: an evidence‐based review

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, resulting in progressive attachment loss and bone loss. Periodontal disease is influenced by various systemic, environmental, and psychologic factors that have the potential to alter periodontal tissues and host immune response, resulting in more severe periodontal destruction. Several studies have documented the relationship between psychosocial stress and chronic forms of periodontal disease. Stress impairs periodontal health through changes in behavior and complex interactions among the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The influence of stress on periodontal disease is affected by the emotional coping skills of the individual. Psychologic stress and depression may also influence the outcome of periodontal therapy. Stressful life events and coping skills are factors to consider in the risk of periodontal disease destruction and the potential for successful periodontal therapy. Therefore psychosocial stress is considered as an important risk factor for periodontal disease, and emotional stress in periodontitis patients should be diagnosed and treatment should be administered for the proper management and successful outcome of periodontal disease.