Researchers found that short-term psychological stress was a risk indicator to elevated plaque levels and long-term physical stress was a risk indicator to gingivitis...

Chronic Stress, Depression and Cortisol Levels Are Potential Risk Indicators for Periodontal Disease

Researchers evaluated the effects that stress, depression and cortisol may have in the accumulation of dental plaque and gingivitis in individuals 50 years and older.

CHICAGO – May 31, 2006 – Caregivers of people under psychological or physical stress, as well as those with the conditions themselves, should not overlook their oral health, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology. Study Abstract *

The results from the study suggest that being a caregiver to relatives with dementia, hypercortisolemia (overproduction of cortisol) or stress was associated with elevated plaque levels and increased gingival bleeding in adults aged 50 years and older.

“We found that short-term psychological stress was a risk indicator to elevated plaque levels and long-term physical stress was a risk indicator to gingivitis,” said Fernando N. Hugo, DDS and Faculty of Dentistry of Piracicaba, Brazil. “These findings support the health impact of psychosocial risk factors from chronic stress, which may lead to malfunction of some biological functions.”

The study indicates that the demanding task of caregiving, usually associated with increased stress, may also be a risk factor for poor oral hygiene. These findings point out that stress may contribute to a disinterest in performing oral hygiene.

“Flossing and brushing the teeth and gums had a protective effect against plaque and gingivitis,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “That said, future research is needed to explore the relationship between stress and oral hygiene negligence.”

In this study, 230 individuals were evaluated, and almost 52 percent were caregivers. Caregivers of patients with dementia were examined because they represent a well-known group suffering from the impacts of chronic stress on human health and immune functions. The results are among the first in literature to suggest that caregivers of relatives with dementia are at risk of having more plaque and gingivitis than non-caregivers.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Chronic Stress, Depression and Cortisol Levels as Risk Indicators of Elevated Levels of Plaque and Gingivitis in Individuals Aged 50 and Over. 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 is an 8,000-member 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 and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

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.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

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