Dental Caries as a Cause of Primary Hypertension Among Children and Adolescents

TL;DR

This study finds a strong link between severe dental caries and primary hypertension in children and adolescents, suggesting that better oral health and eating habits could help prevent high blood pressure.

Contribution

The study establishes a novel association between dental caries severity and primary hypertension in youth, emphasizing oral health as a potential modifiable risk factor.

Findings

12.5% of participants with dental caries were found to be hypertensive.

Moderate and severe dental caries were strongly associated with increased hypertension risk.

Unbalanced eating patterns were also linked to a higher risk of hypertension.

Abstract

Background

Dental caries is a prevalent but sometimes disregarded ailment that may have systemic health effects, such as being linked to primary hypertension in kids and teenagers. Knowing this connection might help develop preventative measures for early cardiovascular risk reduction.

Objective

To investigate the association between dental caries severity and primary hypertension among children and adolescents, identifying potential mechanisms linking oral health to systemic blood pressure regulation.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to November 2024. Participants with dental caries who were between the ages of 8 and 18 and who had never had secondary hypertension or chronic systemic illnesses were evaluated. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was used to assess the severity of dental caries, and calibrated sphygmomanometers were used to monitor blood pressure. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on clinical and demographic factors, such as age, BMI, and eating patterns.

Results

Out of 320 participants, 12.5% were hypertensive (n = 40). The degree of dental caries and hypertension were found to be significantly correlated (p < 0.001). With ORs of 5.78 (95% CI: 2.21-15.00) and 25.45 (95% CI: 4.34-147.50), respectively, people with moderate (DMFT scores 4-6) and severe (DMFT scores 7+) caries had greater risks of hypertension, according to logistic regression analysis. A higher risk of hypertension was also associated with unbalanced eating patterns (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.42-7.54).

Conclusions

The research shows a strong correlation between children’s and teens’ primary hypertension and the severity of dental caries. Promoting better eating habits and taking care of oral health may lower the incidence of hypertension, highlighting the need for early preventative oral health measures.