Effects of Stress on the Periodontal Tissues of Young Adult Male Rats and Hamsters

Influence of restraint stress on ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats

“…Only minimal differences in the structure of periodontal tissues were observed between the experimental groups and the control group on the side without the ligature, indicating that stress alone cannot induce any significant changes in periodontal tissues, unless the inflammatory process in the periodontium already exists. Similar results were obtained in an earlier study, where only non‐specific changes were found in the periodontal tissues of rats following exposure to stress (25). It seems that the physiological changes associated with stress cannot result in periodontal disease but may only modulate the pathophysiological processes of already present periodontal inflammation, resulting in accelerated degradation of periodontal tissues.…”

Effect of Restraint Stress on the Progression of Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

“…There are several animal studies that have examined the relationship between stress and periodontal disease. 56,[63][64][65][66][67][68] In an early study, Gupta et al 64 observed that the alveolar crest of the interradicular area in a stressed hamster showed areas of osteoclastic activity and a reduction in remodeling activity. As mentioned above, Breivik et al 55 demonstrated that the periodontal degradation enhanced in Fischer 344 rats that responded to high HPA axis reactivity after subcutaneous corticosterone delivery.…”

Acquired immune suppression and other risk factors/indicators for periodontal disease progression

“…Harmful effects of stress in humans have been associated with unwelcome life events such as financial and occupational strain, perceived ill health, loss of a spouse or loved one, academic strain, low socioeconomic status, low level of education, military combat, excessive noise, and marital difficulties (50, 55–59, 61, 87, 112). Animal studies have consistently found a depressed immune response in association with noise, isolation, increased population density, male–female proximity, handling by animal keepers, exposure to cold temperatures and deliberate physical trauma (47, 102, 186, 209, 212, 215). In most instances the stressful event was prolonged.…”

“…Other animal studies have evaluated the effects of prolonged stress on periodontal structures. Osteoporosis, loss of alveolar bone height, degeneration of the periodontal ligament, apical migration of the epithelial attachment, increased probing depths, destruction of C type sensory fibers and delayed wound healing have been reported (47, 102, 103, 118, 127, 186, 212). These studies do not confirm, however, that stress induces a similar effect in humans.…”