Anxiety in Students and Its Impact on the Development of Harmful Oral Habits

Background: Chronic psychoemotional stress and anxiety are increasingly recognized as significant contributing factors to the development of dentofacial anomalies, particularly through their association with harmful oral habits. This issue has become especially relevant under conditions of prolonged social instability. Aim: To assess the level of anxiety and chronic social stress and to evaluate their association with harmful oral habits that may contribute to the development of dentofacial anomalies. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 dental students at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. Anonymous questionnaires were used to identify harmful oral habits, including lip biting, mouth breathing, and propping the head with the hands during online learning. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, Spielberger–Khanin adaptation). The study was performed in the context of ongoing war-related social stress in Ukraine. Results: The findings demonstrated a high prevalence of elevated anxiety levels among the respondents, with a significant number of participants experiencing chronic emotional stress. Prolonged stress was associated with the development and persistence of harmful oral habits. These habits, in turn, represent risk factors for acquired dentofacial anomalies and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions. Many respondents reported subjective emotional relief while engaging in such habits, indicating their role as maladaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusions: Chronic social stress and increased anxiety levels contribute to the formation and maintenance of harmful oral habits, which may negatively affect the development and functional state of the dentofacial system. These findings highlight the importance of the early identification of psychoemotional risk factors and the implementation of preventive and interdisciplinary treatment approaches.