Impact of Stress on the Oral Cavity: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Dental Students

Background Psychological stress is an important concern in dental education, as it may negatively affect students' well-being, academic performance, and health-related behaviors. Beyond its general impact, stress may also be associated with oral health through behavioral and physiological pathways. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among fourth- and fifth-year dental students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca. Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire distributed during clinical rotations. The questionnaire explored sociodemographic characteristics, sources of academic stress related to dental training, self-perceived associations between stress and oral health, coping strategies adopted by students, and proposed measures to reduce stress within the academic environment. Results A total of 323 students participated in the survey, corresponding to a response rate of 94.16%. The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of students report experiencing considerable academic stress, particularly during examination periods and within demanding clinical departments. Participants self-reported several oral health complaints, including gingival bleeding, aphthous ulcers, tooth pain, and bruxism, which they perceived as being exacerbated during periods of increased stress. Students also described a variety of coping strategies, ranging from adaptive approaches, such as social support, physical activity, planning, and spiritual practices, to less adaptive behaviors, including procrastination and avoidance. Conclusions This study aimed to identify the main sources of academic stress among dental students, explore their perceived associations with oral health, and describe coping strategies to provide recommendations for improving student well-being and the educational environment.