Stressing the stress in periodontal disease
The current literature is reviewed on the potential role of psychological stress in periodontal disease progression as well as on wound healing, with highlighting the role of hormonal modifications and behavioural changes induced by the stress.
Abstract
Stress has long been considered to be a major contributor to the clinical manifestation of many diseases. The relationship between stress and any disease is explained by hormonal modifications and behavioural changes induced by the stress. Research has suggested that stress and depression are two factors that play a role in the development and progression of periodontal disease. It is not clear, however, whether these factors lead to periodontal disease through physiological or behavioural changes, or by some combination of the two. This article reviews the current literature, with highlighting on the potential role of psychological stress in periodontal disease progression as well as on wound healing.