Stress as an Aggravating Factor
for Periodontal Diseases
889-893
Correspondence
Dr. Jaideep Mahendra, MDS., Ph.D., PGDHM.,
X-1/1-2 SAF Games Village,
Koyambedu, Chennai-600 107,
Tamil Nadu, India.
Mobile No. +91- 9444963973
Fax No. +91-44-24343205
email: jaideep_m_23@yahoo.co.in
Background and Objective: The aim of the research was to evaluate the association between stress, serum cortisol levels and chronic periodontitis in the police personnel of the Cuddalore District of the State of Tamil Nadu, India.
Study design: In this case-control study, 110 police personnel were grouped into the test (group 1 and group 2) and the control groups, depending on their probing pocket depth. The various groups were the control group (PPD ≤ 3 mm, n = 30), the test group 1 (at least four sites with PPD > 4mm and ≤6 mm, n = 40) and the test group 2 (at least four sites with PPD > 6 mm, n = 40).
Methodology: The clinical parameters such as the Silness Löe plaque index (PI), the sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and the clinical attachment levels were recorded. Stress was measured by using the occupational stress index (OSI). Blood sampleswere collected and the serum cortisol levels were determined by using ELISA.
Results: The mean plaque score and the sulcus bleeding index score were found to be significantly higher in the test groups as compared to those in the control group (< 0.001). The mean clinical attachment level, the occupational stress index score and the serum cortisol levels were found to be significantly higher in the test groups as compared to those in the control group (< 0.001). Pearson’s Correlation showed a positive correlation between the clinical attachment level, the occupational stress index score and the serum cortisol levels only in the test groups.
Conclusion: These results suggest that stress can be an occupational risk factor for periodontal diseases because stress accompanied by altered oral hygiene habits causes the accumulation of plaque and obstructs the immunity of the person through the endocrinal connections.