Bullying Linked to Poor Dental Hygiene in Youth, Researchers Find

NORWAY: A recent study published in BMC Oral Health has uncovered a concerning association between adverse childhood experiences, including bullying, and poor dental health in young people. The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach in dental health services to address underlying factors that may contribute to poor oral hygiene habits.

Study Findings

The study, conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, analyzed data from the Young-HUNT Survey, which included responses from 6,351 young individuals aged 13 to 17. The participants were asked about their childhood experiences, such as bullying, abuse, violence, or having parents with serious alcohol problems, as well as their teeth cleaning habits.

According to psychology specialist and research fellow Lena Myran (pictured), “We cannot say for sure whether one leads to the other, but we do know that there is an association.” The study found that young people who had experienced adverse childhood events were more likely to report not brushing their teeth daily compared to their peers without such experiences.

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A Vulnerable Group

While most teenagers brush their teeth daily, the study identified a vulnerable group that requires special attention. “The vast majority are doing a good job, they look after their teeth and have little tooth decay. However, there is a group that is a little more vulnerable that we need to be aware of,” Myran stated.

Poor dental hygiene habits can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and pain, potentially causing individuals to avoid seeking dental treatment due to fear or shame. “Toothache can lead to avoiding dental treatment, which in turn can make people afraid of going to the dentist,” Myran explained.

The researchers also found a dose-response relationship between the number of adverse experiences and the impact on dental health. “The more different types of bad experiences you have from your childhood, the stronger the effect on your tooth brushing habits and caries,” Myran said.

For example, young people who experienced both abuse and parents with alcohol-related problems were more likely to have poor dental health compared to those who experienced only one of these adverse events.

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Call for a Holistic Approach

The study highlights the need for dental health clinics to adopt a more holistic approach when treating patients, especially young individuals. Myran suggests that clinics should be more curious about whether a patient has faced difficulties in their life that may have contributed to poor dental hygiene habits.

“Instead of saying, ‘You need to be better at brushing your teeth and flossing,’ you might ask: ‘Why has it become difficult for you to clean your teeth?'” Myran recommended. “We can also ask ourselves the question ‘What has the patient experienced that has caused their dental health to deteriorate?'”

By creating a supportive environment and building trust, dental health professionals can better understand the underlying causes of poor oral hygiene and provide tailored preventive measures or referrals to relevant support services.

Time and Resources Needed

Implementing a holistic approach requires time and resources, as Myran acknowledges. “Good collaboration not only leads to an improvement in young people’s dental health, it also contributes positively to their general quality of life,” she said.

Decision-makers in the public dental health service must facilitate and prioritize this approach, ensuring dental practitioners have the necessary time and support to build positive relationships with their patients and address the root causes of poor dental health.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of adverse childhood experiences on dental hygiene and adopting a compassionate, holistic approach, dental health services can better serve the needs of vulnerable youth and promote overall well-being.