Objective To explore the application effect of psychological nursing in orthodontic treatment of patients with periodontal disease. Methods A total of 87 patients with periodontal disease admitted to our hospital from January to December 2022 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into control group (n =43) and observation group (n =44) by random number table method. Both groups received orthodontic treatment, the control group received routine nursing, and the observation group increased psychological nursing on the basis of the control group. The psychological status and quality of life of the two groups were compared. Results After nursing, the scores of health care, life fun, positive mentality, energy, relaxation and tension, self-emotion regulation and general well-being in the two groups were higher than those before nursing, and those in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). After nursing, the scores of energy status, sleep, physical activity, pain level, emotional response and social activity in the two groups were lower than those before nursing, and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion For patients with periodontal disease, psychological nursing has positive significance, which can improve the psychological state and quality of life of patients.