Is there a relationship between stress, periodontal disease and holistic health?
There is indeed a relationship. As stress increases so does the likelihood for continuing breakdown of the bone that supports the teeth. That is, an increase in the severity of periodontitis. The changes in the central nervous system that come with stress, affect the pituitary gland and it in turn affects the adrenal glands. The release of stress hormones from the adrenal can reduce or modify the immune system and inflammation to increase gum disease activity. Everyday stresses such as financial stress have been studied and those under this type of stress had more gum attachment loss and supporting bone loss than those that did not. But those people who had appropriate coping behavior to the stress, did not have these ill effects. In other words, if we can find healthy ways to cope with every day stresses, our periodontal health can remain in tact. Therefore, things like physical exercise, self relaxation, a positive attitude and meditation or yoga will help save our teeth as well as o
