Stress can contribute to gum disease

PIRACICABA, Brazil, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A Brazilian review found a relationship among gum diseases and psychological factors such as stress, distress, anxiety, depression and loneliness.

The review, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found 57 percent of the studies included in the review showed a positive relationship between periodontal diseases and psychological factors.

Study author Daiane Peruzzo of the State University of Campinas in Piracicaba, Brazil, speculates the hormone cortisol may play a role in the possible connection between stress and periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases, if left untreated, can lead to bone loss or tooth loss.

People with high stress levels may be less attentive to oral hygiene and may increase their use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs, explained Preston D. Miller, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Miller suggests patients relieve stress via exercise, healthy eating, enough sleep and maintaining a positive mental attitude.