Periodontal Health Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between Stress, Oral Hygiene Practices, and Disease Prevalence

Abstract

Periodontal disease remains a significant health issue, particularly among young adults. The impact of psychological factors such as stress on oral health is increasingly recognized, yet limited studies have explored this association in the university student population. Our objective was to investigate the relationships between stress levels, oral hygiene behaviors, and the prevalence of periodontal disease among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 675 university students. Demographic data, perceived stress levels (using the Perceived Stress Scale), smoking status, and oral hygiene behaviors (including frequency of brushing and flossing) were collected through self-reported questionnaires and clinical examinations. The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis was assessed, and statistical analyses were performed to identify correlations between stress levels and oral health outcomes. The results indicated that 50% of participants exhibited signs of periodontal disease, with a higher prevalence among those with poor oral hygiene practices. Students with high stress levels reported significantly poorer oral hygiene behaviors, including less frequent brushing (45% brushed less than twice daily) and increased neglect of dental visits (60%). Additionally, smoking compounded the effects of stress, with smokers experiencing a 75% prevalence of periodontal disease under high-stress conditions.This study shows that periodontal disease is common among university students and is strongly associated with high stress levels and poor oral hygiene practices. Students experiencing higher stress were more likely to neglect oral care and dental visits, increasing their risk of disease. Smoking further worsened periodontal health, especially in stressed individuals. These findings highlight the importance of promoting good oral hygiene, stress management, and smoking cessation to improve periodontal health in this population.