Crosstalk between Mind and Oral Cavity: An Insight into Pathogenesis, Classification, Presentation and Management of Oral Psychosomatic Disorders

In general, the conviction is that psychological factors are important in the development of all disease. Epidemiological surveys have revealed that there are different ways in which emotional stressful stimuli can act on oral mucosal target sites. Whether their role is in initiation, progression, aggravation or exacerbation of disease or in predisposition or reaction to a disease is still not clear. Based on available evidences, a need for the understanding of oral psychosomatic disturbances is felt. This review summarizes the underlying pathophysiology of bodily changes brought about by stress related psychosomatic mechanism and their role in further development of structural changes seen in association with oral cavity. An effort has also been made to realize the significant role of reassurance and counselling procedures in overall management of patients with oral psychosomatic disorders.