Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
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Background: Several co relational questionnaire studies have observed a positive relationship between psychological stress and periodontal diseases. This paper analyses the effects of academic stress on periodontal health in a prospective clinical examination.
Material and Methods: 100 medical students, each consisting of 50 students participating in a major academic exam and 50 controls without current academic stress. Bleeding on probing and plaque score was assessed 4 weeks prior to the exam period (baseline) and at the two days before the exam.
Results: Severe deterioration in gingival health from baseline to the last exam day were observed more frequently in exam students than in controls. Mean gingival index score increased (1.212) to (1.901), this score is not that much significant in non exam going students.
Conclusion: These results further support the hypothesis that psychological stress is a significant risk factor for gingival inflammation. Future studies should examine factors mediating this relationship.
