Verhaltensmedizin, Psychotherapie und Zahnheilkunde

Biological, psychological and social processes are of relevance in the development and treatment of dental disorders. However, knowledge about interactions among these factors has only few implications for clinical practice. Hence, the goal of this article is to provide an overview of the links between behavioral medicine, psychotherapy and dentistry. The biobehavioral implications of different dental illnesses and disorders (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, burning-mouth syndrome, and halitosis) as well as biobehavioral characteristics of specific patient groups are presented. The existing scientific knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of behavioral medicine, psychotherapy and dentistry provides the basis for a variety of treatment approaches. Its efficacy has, in part, already been confirmed. The integration of knowledge on psychobiological processes underlying psychotherapy and dental illnesses may lead to new interventions, based on the concept of neuropsychotherapy. It can be expected that further studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of specific biobehavioral interventions will significantly contribute to an increase in oral health.