Rwa Al-Qazzaz
Hawler Medical University, IraqPresentation Title:
Dental caries and stress in Kurdish adolescents
Abstract
Introduction: Kurds, an ethnic group in Iraq, faced significant challenges after the ISIS invasion in 2014. Continuous conflicts exposed the majority of inhabitants, including adolescents, to higher rates of psychological stress, which in turn trigger cortisol secretion. Previous studies suggested a two-way relationship between dental caries stress, creating a potential vicious cycle. However, this relationship hasn’t been explored specifically in Kurdish adolescents.
Methods: This cross-sectional study explored the correlation between salivary cortisol levels and the severity of dental caries in Kurdish adolescents in Erbil city, Iraq. The following categories were considered to define dental caries severity: caries free, caries without consequences, and caries with consequences. The consequences of dental caries were evaluated using PUFA index, by recording the presence of visible Pulp, Ulceration, Fistula or Abscess.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found, suggesting that individuals had caries “with consequences” reported higher mean cortisol level (4.17ng/mL) compared to those who were caries-free (1.30ng/mL) or had caries “without consequences” (1.86ng/mL). Additionally, female participants were found to have higher cortisol levels compared to males, while age and socioeconomic status did not show significant correlations with cortisol levels.
Conclusions: The research highlights the value of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for evaluating stress levels concerning adolescents’ oral health.
Biography
Rwa Al-Qazzaz is a specialist pediatric dentist with a keen focus on the psychological impact of oral conditions on children and adolescents. She earned her PhD in 2024 from the College of Dentistry at Hawler Medical University, where she explored the intersection of dental health and mental well-being in young patients. Passionate about creating positive dental experiences for children, Dr. Al-Qazzaz combines expertise with empathy to ensure every smile grows with confidence.
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