New research indicates that adults who suffered from gum disease or tooth decay during childhood may be more likely to develop cardiovascular problems later in life.
Published in the International Journal of Cardiology, the study was conducted by researchers from University of Copenhagen, analyzing data from 568,778 individuals born between 1963 and 1972. The research relied on children’s dental records from 1972 to 1987, alongside hospital records documenting serious heart conditions from 1995 to 2018, with an average follow-up of around 15 years.
Results showed that childhood gum disease or tooth decay was associated with a 45% increased risk of heart disease in adulthood, with variations between genders. Men with severe decay had a 32% higher risk compared to those with mild decay, while the figure for women reached 45%. Children whose dental health gradually worsened were among the highest-risk groups.
Regarding gum inflammation, men with the highest inflammation scores had a 21% higher risk of heart disease compared to those with lower scores, while women’s risk increased by 31%. Women whose tooth decay worsened from moderate to severe during childhood faced a 45% higher risk, compared to 26% for men under similar conditions.
Researchers explained that oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, contributing to vascular inflammation and arterial plaque buildup, which are known risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. However, they emphasized that the study is observational and does not prove direct causation, noting limitations such as the lack of detailed information on diet, smoking, and physical activity, which could influence outcomes.
