Child cavities have been linked to the exposure of chronic maternal stress.
Chronic maternal stress as a potential risk factor is something now being considered in addition to the wider implications of maternal well-being, social and psychological environment on dental health.
Studies have shown that dental cavities are more common among kids whose mothers had two or more biological markers of chronic stress, or “wear and tear.”
Some biological markers reviewed included levels of blood fats which are triglycerides and HDL (good) cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference.
Income is a factor in stress linked cavities. Stress of those in low socioeconomic status is associated with chronic exposure to adverse living circumstances.
This highlights the importance of considering the influence of socioeconomic status as well as maternal stress on a child’s oral health. A high stressed mother with a low income may struggle to help her children adopt healthy patterns such as brushing teeth regularly, maintaining healthy dietary habits, and visiting the dentist regularly for preventative care.
Ensure you and your family are visiting the dentist twice a year for your preventative care. If you have questions about fighting cavities, please feel free to call our office at 610-489-5555.
