The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on the Psychosomatic Spectrum of Oral Diseases: Mapping the Evidence

Abstract

The psychological aspect of dis-ease, which is indeed a lack of ‘ease’ is generally overlooked in the management of myriad maladies that affect the human body. The concept of mindfulness meditation, which is an interesting hybrid born from the meditative discipline of the east and the intellectual discipline of the west is gaining attention in the past two decades for its benefits in the holistic development of individuals. When individuals with ailments are trained under therapists supervised by the clinicians, significant results can be seen in alleviating symptoms like pain, stress, anxiety and an improvement in the quality of life is observed. This review article focuses on the structure and basics of mindful meditation and the mechanisms of mindfulness and its positive effects on various diseases like lichen planus, urticaria, psoriasis, eczema, myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome, to name a few. There are various arenas within the discipline of oral and maxillofacial medicine where mindfulness-based techniques can be explored for its effectiveness in combating psychosomatic conditions. The article highlights the importance of holistic approach in treating diseases in which mindfulness meditation techniques play an important role.

Exploring the Relationship between Psychoneuroimmunology and Oral Diseases: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis

“…The clinical importance of understanding the psychoneuroimmunological aspects of oral diseases lies in the development of holistic treatment approaches. Integrating psychological interventions, stress management techniques, and mental health support into dental care can enhance treatment outcomes [ 36 ]. Patients with chronic oral diseases may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of their condition.…”

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Clinical Trials on Psychological Stress and Oral Health (1967-2024)

“…Scholars have increasingly recognized the interconnectedness of oral health with psychological, biological, and social factors, leading to holistic approaches in research and practice. Neurobiological studies have elucidated pathways linking stress hormones to inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, while psychological interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy have shown promise in mitigating stress-related oral health issues [ 17 , 18 ]. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven beneficial in reducing dental phobia and dental anxiety [ 19 , 20 ].…”

On the Role of Psychoneuroimmunology in Oral Medicine

“…Further well-planned clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the psychosomatic impact of such interventions and their use in routine care. 88 With regard to periodontitis, herpes labialis, and OLP, research suggests that reducing psychosocial stress and emotional strain may be beneficial. 35 , 62 , 74 , 89 Promising interventions looked at in recent years have included yoga for periodontal health, 90 hypnotherapeutic treatment program in herpes labialis, 91 and psychological counseling in OLP.…”

“… 92 In addition, mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation have been recommended to promote overall oral health. 88 , 93…”