Childhood dental health may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a new study examining long-term health outcomes. Maintaining good oral hygiene from a young age is widely recommended for overall health and this research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting a connection between oral health and systemic diseases.
“This is an observational study, and we cannot conclude that poor oral health in childhood causes cardiovascular disease later in life,” said study author Merete Markvart in a press release.
Researchers analyzed data from the “National Child Odontology Registry” encompassing more than 568,000 children born between 1963 and 1972. This information was then linked with diagnoses of heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease from the “National Patient Register” through 2018, tracking individuals into middle adulthood. The analysis revealed that children with a high number of cavities were up to 45 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease as adults compared to those with fewer dental problems. Severe gingivitis was associated with up to a 41 percent increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
The study found a correlation between the severity of oral health problems in childhood and the later incidence of cardiovascular diagnoses. Researchers emphasize that the study demonstrates statistical associations, not underlying biological mechanisms. They suggest that inflammation may be a common underlying factor, noting that a strong or prolonged activation of the immune system due to gum disease and cavities in youth could influence how the body responds to inflammatory stimuli later in life.
Beyond cardiovascular disease, the team also investigated the link to type 2 diabetes. Children with severe gum disease showed an up to 87 percent higher rate of type 2 diabetes in adulthood, whereas those with multiple cavities had around a 19 percent increase. To account for potential influences like lifestyle and socioeconomic background, factors such as educational level were included in the statistical calculations. Even after considering these factors, the differences in the rate of cardiovascular disease remained significant.
The study, based on the long-term linking of register data, describes statistical associations. Researchers explicitly state that no cause-and-effect relationship can be derived from the findings.
