11 Aug Is there a relationship between periodontitis and stress?
When we are in stressful situations, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. In the beginning the effects of this hormone can be beneficial when we have acute stress, but when released for long periods of time it can lead to problems in our health, both in the body and in our oral health.
A recent study has shown a relationship between high levels of cortisol in saliva, which is the hormone that is released with stress, and a greater tendency to suffer from periodontitis, although the exact mechanisms are not known.
But, in addition to the endocrine mechanisms that can relate stress to periodontitis, there are other mechanisms that connect these two processes.
On the one hand, the patient with stress neglects the good control of oral hygiene; In addition, they tend to modify their eating behavior, increasing the consumption of refined carbohydrates and fats: and if they are smokers, they usually smoke even more as a result of stress.
On the other hand, in people with a high level of stress there are alterations in the microcirculation of the gum, which reduces the supply of nutrients to the tissues. They also experience changes in the composition and amount of saliva, which can adversely affect. And the body’s response to bacteria is altered, which leads to greater destruction of the tissues surrounding the gums after periods of chronic stress.
On the contrary, some research suggests that yoga and meditation can reduce proinflammatory cytokines and improve the immune response, a positive factor in preventing periodontal diseases. So to prevent gum disease, avoid or control your stress level.
At Clínica Blasi we want our patients to be aware of the amount of emotions that have a direct impact on our oral health.