Stress
Stress is a well-known factor in the development
of all sorts of ailments. When we are stressed
our bodies are not operating to their full potential
and we find that we are more susceptible to minor
ailments such as colds and flu and we can also
suffer from headaches, back pain, indigestion,
IBS etc. In addition, when we are stressed, our
resistance goes down and bacteria can get the upper
hand. Thus it is not uncommon for people who have
gum disease to suddenly notice that they have areas
in their mouths which are tender and swollen and
in severe cases, forming abscesses.
Increasingly
it is recognised that it is not stress which
causes health problems, but the way we cope
with it. Recent research has highlighted the differences
between the ways people cope with stress and ‘Stress
Coping Behaviour’ has become more important
in relation to our health than absence or presence
of stress itself.
Common stressors which are associated with flare-ups
of conditions such as gum disease are predominantly
work and family related. A lack of effective coping
skills can lead to changes in our behaviour, so
much so that people who may be eating healthily
and looking after their mouths, start snacking
instead of eating properly, don't take so much
care and attention in cleaning their teeth properly
and put off their normally regular dental check-ups.
These factors allow gum disease to take hold, and
other changes to take place, such as changes in
the amount of saliva and its contents. The natural
washing processes that saliva creates dries up,
leading to food stagnation and plaque build-up.
Although stress is not a direct cause of gum disease,
social and behavioural habits such as smoking and
teeth grinding can also aggravate the condition
and affect oral health.
Further Reading
1. WaschulB, Herforth A,Stiller-Winkler R, Idel
H, Granrath N, Deinzer R
J Clin Periodontol.2003 Mar;30(3);238-48
2. Giannopoulou C, Kamma JJ, Mombelli A
J Clin Periodontol 2003 Feb;30(2) 145-53
3. Mengel R, Bacher M, Flores-De-Jacoby L
J Clin Periodontol 2002 Nov;29(11);1012-22
4. Deinzer R, Hilpert D, Bach K, Schawacht M, Herforth A
J Clin Periodontol 2001 May;28(5);459-64
