The state of our oral health depends on a huge number of factors. While some, like diet and dental hygiene, may seem obvious, there are other areas too. One unexpected area is the wealth of a child’s parents. Now, researchers have looked to reach conclusions about this potential link. They found that having wealthy parents actually results in poorer oral health for children.
The oral health of a child depends on a huge number of areas. For instance, genetics, diet and the environment in which they grow up in.
Now, research has shown that another factor is the wealth of a child’s family. This unexpected factor has been researched comprehensively by Australian researchers, who used global data to carry out their study.
In a somewhat surprising result, the researchers found that children that came from a wealthy background were more likely to have poor oral health [1].
It was found that among the biggest causes of this was easy access to soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices [1].
Background
Many factors affect a child’s oral health. The modern-day diet is typically high in sugar, which is an important factor. The link between sugar and dental health is clear. Many studies show a direct link between sugar consumption and the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth [2].
Existing research also shows that the dental habits of parents has a big influence on their children’s oral health [3]. For example, this includes brushing habits and the number of trips to the dentist for check-ups each year [3].
Researchers are always looking for other factors that impact oral health. This can help them to identify potential solutions to problems. A new area that researchers have now considered is the link between a child’s financial background and their oral health.
Research shows that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% being put off from visiting a dental clinic due to cost [4]. Therefore, it could be expected that those from poorer backgrounds would have worse dental health.
The Research
Now, researchers from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia have carried out a study into this area. The researchers partnered with the National Dental Research Institute of Singapore.
The research involved a global study of 30 countries [1]. It was a meta-analysis, which involved analysing 54 relevant studies, with over 64,000 participants [1]. Therefore, this study provided a comprehensive overview of children’s oral health around the world.
The aim of the research was to identify a link between socio-economic status and oral health, with their findings published in the Journal of Dentistry [1].
The study found that children whose parents had higher levels of education and wealth, and who had attended private schools had poorer oral health than those whose parents did not [1].
The researchers explained that these results were caused by many factors. Because of easy access to soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices, the risks increase [1]. The high sugar content causes this. Once sugar is consumed, it combines with bacteria to create acid. Subsequently, it gradually dissolves enamel. Finally, this leads to cavities that need to be filled.
The study also found that in certain countries, traditional foods and drink were another cause [1]. This included tamarind, hibiscus and citrus teas. The strong acid content caused this.
Yet the study also found that higher-educated adults had a lower risk of developing tooth problems [1]. Therefore, while those who are highly-educated typically have poorer oral health as they grow up, they will then typically have better oral health as an adult.
Consequently, this is an important consideration, and shows that those with strong oral health at a young age cannot get complacent.
What does this study show us?
Because this study had so many participants, the conclusions are very important. We must all consider the impact that our purchases and habits have on dental health.
Dr. Ahmed, the lead researcher, commented on the findings. He said that “fizzy drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices are in many countries available to the affluent” [5].
Such dietary habits can cause “progressive and irreversible wearing down of teeth over time, making them unsightly [and] more sensitive” [5].
Dr. Ahmed recommended that “early screening of individuals at risk” will help to “enhance the cost-effectiveness and success of dental treatments” [5].
These findings back up previous research. In addition, one study concluded that soft drinks were the “crucial link” between good and bad oral health [6].
In conclusion, this study acts as further confirmation of the importance of habit. But it also shows that there are many different factors affecting oral health, including some that we wouldn’t automatically think of. Because of this, having strong oral hygiene is crucial.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.
We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
- [1] Entezami, S., Glazer Peres, K., Li, H., Albarki, Z., Hijazi, M., & Ahmed, K. E. (2021). Tooth wear and socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Dentistry. 103827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103827.
- [2] Battellino, L. J., Corneho, L. S., Dorronsoro de Cattoni, S. T., Luna Maldonado de Yankilevich, E. R., Calamari, S. E., & Aczura, A. (1997). Oral health status evaluation of pre-school children: longitudinal epidemiologic study. (1993–1994). Revista de Saúde Pública. 31(1), p272-281.
- [3] Freire de Castilho, A. R., Mialhe, F. L., de Souza Barbosa, T., & Puppin-Rontani, R. M. (2013). Influence of family environment on cjildren’s oral health: a systematic review. Jornal de Pediatria. 89 (2): p116-123.
- [4] Statistics Canada. (2019). Dental Care, 2018. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm. Last accessed: 24 September 2021.
- [5] Griffith University. (2021). Children from wealthy backgrounds at greater risk of tooth wear. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-10-children-wealthy-backgrounds-greater-tooth.html. Last accessed: 15th October 2021.
- [6] Kamal, Y., O’Toole, S., & Bernabé, E. (2019). Obesity and tooth wear among American adults: the role of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks. Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations. 24: p1379-1385.
