Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease could be linked to childhood oral health

Poor oral health during childhood could raise the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life.

In a nationwide cohort study published in the International Journal of Cardiology, investigators used data from the National Child Odontology Registry and National Patient Register to analyze whether indicators of poor oral health among children — including dental caries and gingivitis — could be associated with developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among nearly 570,000 adult participants.

The investigators revealed that both male and female participants who had severe dental caries, high gingivitis scores and moderate- to severe-level oral disease trajectories during childhood had a greater likelihood of experiencing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

In a companion news release from Oral Health, the study authors suggested that the relationship between childhood oral health and cardiovascular disease could result from the high levels of inflammation caused by persistent or worsening oral diseases, thereby impacting the way the body responds to inflammation in adulthood.

The findings highlighted the potential of early oral health interventions to mitigate the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life.

Read more: International Journal of Cardiology

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