By Danielle 
Drawing data from 7,633 children in Bristol, England, a recently published study shows that childhood abuse can increase the risk of developing caries in children ages 7 to 10.
“This knowledge can help dentists identify vulnerable children or families during routine dental visits,” the researchers wrote in their paper, published in the Journal of Dentistry.
The study, based on the well-known Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), found a clear link between early-life adversity and the progression of tooth decay. Children who experienced more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as physical abuse, parental separation, or exposure to household substance use—tended to have more cavities by age 10.
Read related article: Dentistry’s role in recognizing and reporting abuse
Read related article: Dental Hygiene Care for Survivors of Childhood Abuse
Dose-response relationship
Importantly, researchers observed a dose-response relationship: the greater the number of ACEs accumulated before age 6, the more likely children were to experience increased dental caries later on. For example, the average number of decayed or filled teeth rose from 1.06 at age 7 to 1.47 at age 10, and the rise was more pronounced among children with repeated or recent ACEs.
Of the eight ACE categories examined, physical abuse stood out. Children exposed to this specific form of abuse for longer durations had significantly larger increases in decayed and filled teeth. Timing also played a role—adversities experienced closer to the time of dental assessments (at ages 4 to 6) were more strongly linked to caries progression than those that occurred earlier in life.
“These findings reinforce the importance of early intervention—not just from a psychological standpoint, but also for children’s physical and oral health,” the authors stated.
Dentists play a key role
The study suggests dentists may play a vital role in recognizing early warning signs of adversity. Subtle behavioural cues or inconsistent attendance patterns could prompt dentists to consider referrals or supportive discussions with caregivers.
As oral health professionals increasingly engage in trauma-informed care, this research adds weight to the argument that dental visits can be a frontline point of contact in identifying at-risk children—and potentially intervening before the long-term consequences of both trauma and tooth decay take hold.