Financial Strain Could Affect More Than Just Pocketbook: Where IRS, Dentist Converge

As the tax deadline approaches, it's wise to contact the accountant, perhaps the lawyer, and... the dentist? Indeed it seems that how one copes with stress and financial pressure can affect oral health, possibly causing gum disease to progress faster in people who have it. People under the strain of life events are also more likely to grind their teeth, clench their jaws and neglect daily brushing and flossing.

"It's a troublesome combination," said Dr. Scott Navarro, dental director, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey. "Immunity is suppressed by stress, meaning it's harder to fight inflammation and infections. Meanwhile, you're distracted, it's easy to forget to brush and the stress can lead to teeth grinding at night."

The immune-suppressing effect of stress is well established, and doctors have speculated that diminished immunity leaves the inflammation and infection of gum disease unchecked. Several studies¹ conclude that stress may be one of many risk factors for gum disease.

One study² published in the Journal of Periodontology indicated that financial strain was more likely than all other stressors under investigation to be associated with hallmarks of advancing gum disease, including loss of bone in the jaw and detachment of gums from teeth, particularly in a study of participants with inadequate coping skills. However, study participants who met high levels of financial strain with coping abilities that were considered adequate or good had no more gum disease than people who had low levels of financial strain.

Dr. Navarro said that though oral health might be the last thing on one's mind in the midst of stressful situations, it's important to keep up daily brushing and flossing and visit a dentist to make sure teeth and gums aren't being damaged by grinding or decay-causing bacteria.

"We can't say that stress causes gum disease - bacteria cause gum disease. But the body's ability to manage bacteria is affected by stress, which is why we have to look out for oral health when we're under pressure," Dr. Navarro said.

Sources: 
¹See for example:
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2002 March; 29(3): 247-53
European Journal of Medical Research, 2002 September; 7(9): 393-8
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2002 April; 29(4): 326-35

²Journal of Periodontology, 1999 July; 70(7): 711-23