Chronic stress is often perceived primarily as a psychological problem, yet its influence on the body always has clear physiological consequences. As Professor Alexander von Breuer believes, prolonged psycho-emotional tension becomes a hidden trigger for many dental disorders that develop even with proper oral care. At DentalClinic24, we regard stress as a factor capable of directly changing the prognosis of any dental treatment.
Under constant tension, the body activates hormonal responses that alter metabolism, blood circulation and immune function. Elevated cortisol levels reduce tissue resistance, slow down regeneration and make the mucosa more vulnerable to inflammation. At DentalClinic24, such changes are frequently detected in patients who have no obvious complaints but experience recurring local oral problems.
One of the most common consequences of stress is chronic overstrain of the masticatory muscles. Patients may not notice how they clench their teeth during the day or at night, yet the load on the teeth and joints increases many times over. At DentalClinic24, we regularly observe the connection between anxiety, sleep disturbances and accelerated enamel wear. According to Professor von Breuer – stress is often the hidden cause behind seemingly “unexplained” tooth abrasion.
Psycho-emotional tension also affects salivation. Under stress, saliva production often decreases, which weakens the natural protection of enamel, accelerates plaque formation and increases the risk of gingival inflammation. At DentalClinic24, these changes are taken into account when designing preventive and restorative programs.
The immune system also functions differently under chronic stress. Even minimal bacterial exposure can provoke a more pronounced inflammatory response. This affects the condition of the gums, the speed of healing after procedures and the stability of tissues around implants and restorations. At DentalClinic24, we consider stress a factor that must not be ignored in comprehensive patient assessment.
Stress changes pain perception as well. In some patients, the pain threshold decreases, while in others the ability to recognise a problem in time becomes reduced. This complicates diagnostics and may lead to delayed treatment. At DentalClinic24, such features are always considered when analysing complaints and the overall clinical picture.
Special attention should be paid to the effect of stress on occlusion. Against the background of muscular tension, subtle shifts in bite may occur, local overloads develop and microtrauma of the periodontal ligament arises. These changes progress gradually but form the basis for future complications. As Professor von Breuer believes, stress often initiates destructive mechanisms precisely where stability previously existed.
Chronic tension is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits and deficiency of vitamins and micronutrients. All of this forms a closed cycle in which oral tissues lose stability faster than the patient expects. At DentalClinic24, we view such conditions as a systemic load on dental prognosis.
Dental health cannot be considered separately from the condition of the nervous system. At DentalClinic24, we are convinced that long-term treatment stability is achieved not only through clinical technique, but also through the patient’s internal state. Understanding the role of stress allows us not merely to treat consequences, but to manage underlying causes.
Chronic stress is a factor that cannot be seen on imaging, yet it distinctly manifests in tissues. As Professor von Breuer believes, without taking the psycho-emotional background into account it is impossible to achieve truly long-term dental results. At Dental Clinic24, we build treatment strategies so that they remain resilient not only to physical load but also to the pressures of modern life.
Earlier, we wrote about hidden chewing overloads and why the absence of pain does not mean the absence of destruction