Effects of chronic stress caused by occlusal disorder on the body

Occlusal disorder is an abnormal condition in which the static and dynamic relations between the upper and lower teeth are not well aligned. The most common occlusal disorder in clinical practice is the inability to reach the intercuspal position due to early contact of individual points or occlusal interference due to occlusal high points, which can lead to periodontal tissue damage, decreased masticatory function, temporomandibular joint and muscle discomfort; these results can occur through the overactivation of the locus coeruleus-sympathetic-adrenal medullary system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis induce elevated serum corticosteroid levels, which leads to chronic stress in the body. This article reviews the effects of chronic stress caused by occlusal disorder on bone tissue, stomatognathic system, emotional health and cognitive function. It has been found that occlusal disorders not only result in the loss of bone in the oral cavity, the reduction of bone mass in the whole body and damage to the local function of the stomatognathic system but also negatively affect the body’s anxiety, sleep, cognitive function and spatial memory ability as a result of the neuroendocrine changes. In recent years, concern about occlusal disorders has been on the rise. Early detection and timely adjustment of uncoordinated occlusion has become an issue that cannot be ignored in the clinic.