Toxic stress

Research published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology has provided strong evidence for reinforcing claims that socioeconomic factors have a significant role to play in the health of children.

Children exposed to adverse experiences were more than twice as likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease and suffer from conditions such as unfilled cavities, missing teeth and toothache, all of which can have serious implications for overall health.

Some of the experiences measured by researchers included the child being subject to a parental divorce, a parent spending time in jail, low household income and limited education of the parent.  Exposure to domestic violence, witnessing drug and alcohol abuse and living with someone who suffers from mental illness, suicidal tendencies or depression, were also circumstances evaluated in relation to dental health.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Nigel Carter OBE, says the effects of such childhood experiences should remain in the foreground of dental professionals, public health advocates and the government’s social support networks.