HOLIDAY STRESS CAN THREATEN A HEALTHY SMILE

PARSIPPANY, NJ (December 5, 2001) – With the approaching holiday season and lingering economic uncertainty, many of us are facing additional financial pressures this year. But just how much pressure you feel and how well you cope with it can affect more than just your pocketbook. According to Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental), it can also affect the health of your teeth and gums.

Several studies have found a connection between oral health and stress, particularly financial stress. In one of the most extensive studies of its kind conducted at the University of New York at Buffalo and published in the Journal of Periodontology, high levels of financial stress paired with poor coping abilities were shown to double the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.

"We already know that stress can have an effect on a number of health conditions, including heart problems and digestive disorders," said Dr. Scott Navarro, Dental Director, Delta Dental. "Now that we're beginning to understand the effects of stress on oral health, it gives us all one more reason to improve our coping skills and try to reduce the amount of stress in our lives."

Researchers have found that individuals with excessive amounts of stress and who lack adequate coping skills can experience a number of changes that can lead to oral health problems. For some people, it can mean a reduction in proper oral hygiene practices or teeth grinding. Others can experience a reduction in saliva flow and content, which reduces the mouth's ability to wash food away and fight the effects of cavity-causing plaque on surfaces of the teeth. Stress can also lead to changes in the body's ability to combat infection, allowing gum disease to progress more rapidly.

"The good news is that gum disease can be controlled if it's detected early," said Dr. Navarro. "That's why it's important to understand your risk factors, remain vigilant about your oral health care regimen and visit your dentist regularly."

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s leading and largest dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at deltadentalnj.com.