Stress, disease, and dentistry

There is increasing evidence that chronic stress, by suppressing the immune system, can lead to physical illnesses and, in turn, impact dental outcomes. Often, how patients cope with chronic stress is a common underlying factor in the outcome of both dental and systemic illnesses. Integrative dental medicine emphasizes an understanding of how dental diseases and systemic diseases interrelate. By developing positive coping strategies, raising self-awareness, and establishing a state of emotional balance, we can learn to identify the stressors in our lives and cope with them in more effective ways.