PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATUS IN YOUNG PEOPLE: FROM BEHAVIORAL FACTORS TO NEUROIMMUNE MECHANISMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/2311-9624.2026.2.16427Keywords:
periodontal disease, generalized periodontitis, psycho-emotional stress, anxiety, depression, cortisol, psychosomatic disorders, immune dysfunction, dental anxietyAbstract
Introduction. Inflammatory periodontal diseases are one of the most common pathologies in modern dentistry and are characterized by complex, multifactorial pathogenesis. Current scientific data indicate the important role of psycho-emotional stress, anxiety, and depression in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. Psycho-emotional disturbances affect the state of periodontal tissues through immunological, neurohumoral, metabolic, and behavioral mechanisms.
Purpose of the study. To analyze current scientific data regarding the relationship between psycho-emotional status and periodontal disease, to identify the main mechanisms by which psycho-emotional stress affects periodontal tissues, and to assess the significance of psycho-emotional factors in the course and treatment of generalized periodontitis.
Materials and methods. An analysis was conducted of recent national and international scientific publications from the Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, and NCBI databases, including literature reviews and the results of clinical studies published within the last five years and focused on the role of psycho-emotional factors in the development of periodontal disease.
Research results. The studies analyzed revealed a consistent association between psycho-emotional stress and periodontal disease. The prevalence of generalized periodontitis among individuals with high stress levels was greater compared to patients without significant emotional disturbances. Patients with generalized periodontitis were shown to have more frequent anxiety-depressive disorders, alexithymia, and psycho-physiological disadaptation. It has been established that psycho-emotional stress is accompanied by elevated cortisol levels, a decrease in the amount of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes, development of oxidative stress, and electrolyte imbalance. Behavioral factors, including poor oral hygiene, dietary disorders, and sleep deficiency, exacerbated the progression of the inflammatory process. Comprehensive therapeutic approaches that considered patients’ psychological status provide more stable clinical treatment outcomes.
Conclusion. Psycho-emotional stress is an important modified risk factor for the development and progression of periodontal disease. Its influence is implemented through a combination of immunological, metabolic, neurohumoral, and behavioral mechanisms. Taking the patient’s psycho-emotional status into account is an essential component of a modern personalized approach to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases.
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