Oral mucosal diseases and psychosocial factors: progress in related neurobiological mechanisms

Abstract

The aetiology of oral mucosal diseases, such as recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU), oral lichen planus (OLP) and burning mouth syndrome (BMS), involves many factors, and it remains difficult for clinicians to effectively relieve disease symptoms and formulate coping strategies. With the rapid development of psychology, the role of mental and psychological factors in RAU, OLP and BMS has gradually attracted researchers attention, but the specific mechanism has not been completely determined. This narrative review describes the potential neurobiological mechanism of oral mucosal diseases and detailed psychological factors after introducing relevant research into psychological factors and oral mucosal diseases. Future research strategies and innovations needed to understand and treat oral mucosal diseases and psychological factors, as well as how to prevent oral mucosal diseases by regulation of the neuroendocrine system, are also discussed.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Pain Severity in Patients With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The results of our study revealed significantly escalated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in the patients with RAS as opposed to those without the condition. These results were consistent with the findings of other studies [7,14], where elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were observed in participants with a history of RAS. According to Gallo et al, psychological stress may serve as a trigger or moderating element in RAS-afflicted patients [15].…”

“…Ziaudeen et al found that psychological stress in RAS patients disturbed the oxidant-antioxidant balance, leading to oxidative stress and the onset and persistence of aphthous ulcers [17]. Psychological factors like anxiety and depression have also been shown to alter immune reactions like stress, potentially contributing to the onset and persistence of RAS [14].…”