How stress makes your teeth fall out: Cases of Korea’s top officials

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Korea Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho, known for his muscular physique and love of weightlifting, has reportedly lost several front teeth due to stress from his heavy workload — drawing public attention to a health problem more common than people think.

Despite his reputation as a fitness enthusiast — he served as captain of his university’s weightlifting team and can still bench press 100 kilograms — even he could not protect his teeth from stress-induced damage. Experts say that gum disease caused by chronic stress is a leading cause of tooth loss, and many Koreans experience far worse symptoms.

When stress silently erodes oral health

One businessman in his late 60s said he lost all his teeth in his 50s due to extreme work stress. Constant corporate mergers and restructuring took such a toll on him that he eventually had to undergo full dental implants.

Excessive stress suppresses the immune system, reduces saliva production and triggers inflammation in the gums — leading to periodontitis, or gum disease. As the gums weaken, teeth loosen and may eventually fall out.

Stress also raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which further lowers immunity and accelerates inflammation. When cortisol remains high, it weakens the bone supporting the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth loss — especially in people already suffering from gum problems.

Even top officials have suffered

Former President Moon Jae-in reportedly had 10 teeth extracted while serving as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs due to intense stress. Former presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok received six dental implants during his tenure, while President Lee Jae Myung once admitted that his teeth loosened during tough trade negotiations with the United States. These cases show how clearly stress can affect oral health.

The hidden chain reaction: Dry mouth, bacteria, and inflammation

When a person is under stress, the autonomic nervous system becomes unbalanced, weakening the salivary glands and causing dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting oral health — it washes away bacteria and neutralizes acids.

A lack of saliva allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, leading to gum swelling, bleeding and eventually periodontitis. Once inflammation sets in, it can destroy the bone that anchors the teeth, making extraction unavoidable.

People who unconsciously clench or grind their teeth under stress are also at higher risk. Frequent clenching wears down enamel, causes cracks and can even lead to fractures.

How to protect your teeth from stress

Experts recommend maintaining consistent lifestyle habits to lower cortisol levels and strengthen immunity. Getting enough sleep and regular exercise helps stabilize stress hormones, while staying well hydrated prevents dry mouth — one of the earliest signs of stress-related oral problems.

A diet rich in vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation and supports gum health. Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss to remove food debris and visiting the dentist regularly, is essential for long-term prevention.

Above all, regular dental checkups are key. Gum disease can be easily treated in its early stages, but stress can worsen it quickly if ignored. When gum pain or inflammation persists, it’s best to visit a dentist before permanent damage occurs.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.