Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20250028
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Salivary cortisol, job stress, and periodontal disease in nursing staff

Cortisol salivar, estresse ocupacional e doença periodontal em enfermagem

Alessandra Arthuso ALVES; Arthur Maciel ARAUJO; Rebeca Ferreira BADARÓ; Maiara Campos Linhares SAMPAIO; Julia Saraiva de Almeida BARBOSA; Umberto Demoner RAMOS; Elizabeth Pimentel ROSETTI

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Abstract

Introduction: Cortisol is recognized as a biomarker of stress, playing a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological systems. However, when released chronically, it can adversely affect periodontal tissues by diminishing their immune response, thereby increasing susceptibility to colonization by periodontopathogenic microorganisms.

Objective: To examine the relationships among salivary cortisol levels, occupational stress, and the occurrence of periodontal disease in nursing professionals working in a hospital environment.

Material and method: A total of 46 nursing professionals were evaluated through salivary cortisol measurement, completion of the Job Stress Scale, and clinical assessment for periodontal disease.

Result: Of the participants, 25 (54.35%) exhibited normal cortisol levels, whereas 21 (45.65%) had low cortisol levels. Analysis of the Job Stress Scale dimensions showed that the high-demand work quadrant was significantly associated with cortisol classification, increasing the likelihood of low cortisol levels by 23.9 times. All participants demonstrated occupational stress. The overall prevalence of periodontitis was 63.04%; however, no significant association was identified between cortisol levels and periodontal status.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that high job demands influence cortisol levels, thereby increasing the risk for disease development. No association was observed between salivary cortisol levels and periodontal disease.

Keywords

 Cortisol; periodontal disease; occupational stress; occupational health

Resumo

Introdução: O cortisol é reconhecido como biomarcador do estresse, desempenhando um importante papel na regulação de diversos sistemas fisiológicos. No entanto, quando liberado de forma crônica, pode afetar os tecidos periodontais, levando à diminuição da resposta imune dos tecidos, que se tornam mais suscetíveis à colonização de microorganismos periodontopatogênicos.

Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre níveis de cortisol salivar, estresse ocupacional e ocorrência de doença periodontal em profissionais de enfermagem hospitalar.

Material e método: Foram avaliados 46 profissionais de enfermagem por meio da coleta de cortisol salivar, aplicação da Job Stress Scale (Escala de Estresse no Trabalho) e exame clínico da condição periodontal.

Resultado: Vinte e cinco participantes (54,35%) apresentaram níveis normais de cortisol, enquanto 21 (45,65%) apresentaram níveis baixos. Quanto às dimensões avaliadas pela Job Stress Scale, o quadrante de trabalho de alta demanda apresentou associação significativa com a classificação do cortisol, aumentando em 23,9 vezes a chance de níveis baixos. Todos os profissionais apresentaram estresse ocupacional. A prevalência geral de periodontite foi de 63,04%, entretanto, não foi encontrada associação significativa do cortisol com a condição periodontal.

Conclusão: O estudo evidencia a influência de altas demandas ocupacionais sobre os níveis de cortisol, aumentando o risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças. Não foram encontradas associações entre cortisol salivar e doença periodontal.

Palavras-chave

Cortisol; doença periodontal; estresse ocupacional; saúde ocupacional

References

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Submitted date:
08/25/2025

Accepted date:
09/22/2025

69161346a95395704915a874 rou Articles
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