FINANCIAL STRAIN COULD AFFECT MORE
THAN JUST THE POCKETBOOK
-Where the IRS and the Dentist Converge-
PARSIPPANY, NJ (March
18, 2004) – As tax
time 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
Delta
Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s
and Connecticut's leading 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 www.deltadentalnj.com.
