Oral Health Effects Research Articles

Electronic cigarettes and peri-implantitis: an umbrella review.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are offered to consumers as a healthier option than traditional tobacco. However, the long-term effect of non-heat-burning tobacco and e-cigarettes on periodontal and peri-implantitis is unknown. The present review evaluates the impact of electronic cigarettes on peri-implantitis and compares the results with traditional cigarettes and non-smokers. Systematic/meta-analysis studies were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until December 30, 2022. Five systematic/meta-analysis studies were identified based on the search strategy in the selected databases. The overall quality assessment of the studies showed acceptable evidence with high quality. All systematic review studies showed that compared to traditional tobacco smoke, electronic cigarettes might reduce or not change the clinical inflammatory symptoms of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, such as bleeding on probing, probing depth, peri-implant bone loss, and response to treatments. Electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, which can harm periodontal and implant health. On the other hand, a wide range of oral health consequences may be associated with using e-cigarettes. E-cigarette is a potential risk factor for the healing process and the results of implant treatment.

Exploring dental anxiety as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect

Dental anxiety and dental neglect are interconnected constructs with profound consequences for oral health and corresponding challenges for dental professionals. Meanwhile, other literature has indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion relate negatively to different forms of anxiety, and propose elements of potential interventions. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of dental anxiety as a mediator on the relationships between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect. The results showed significant negative associations between mindfulness and self-compassion with dental anxiety and dental neglect. Mediation analyses supported the hypothesis that dental anxiety mediates the positive associations between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect, providing preliminary evidence for the potential effectiveness of mindfulness and self-compassion interventions in addressing dental anxiety and dental neglect. Future research and potential clinical implications are discussed.

Patient preventive advice to mitigate signs and symptoms of tooth wear

Tooth wear has profound consequences for a patient's oral health and quality of life. Education on preventive advice has been suggested as a method of reducing the burden of tooth wear in the population. This review provides an update on preventive advice regarding the mitigation of tooth wear, and presents evidence-based clinical recommendations that dental professionals can use chairside. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Preventive advice for tooth wear patients may help prevent tooth wear and its progression.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the oral health behaviour of young children.

Children up to the age of 10 are dependant primarily on their caregivers for oral care; COVID-19 lockdowns may have disrupted this care. We therefore assessed whether the COVID-19 lockdown affected routine parental oral care for their children. A short online survey regarding oral health behaviour and changes in the home setting during the COVID-19 lockdown was emailed to parents (n = 782, response 15%) participating in an existing study 'Healthy Teeth All Aboard (HTAA)'. During the lockdown, 29% of parents reported that they skipped their children's toothbrushing more often than before the lockdown, and 49% of the children were allowed to consume sugary snacks or drinks more often. These behaviours were not significantly associated with socio-economic status, country of birth of the mother, work situation of the parents, school attendance patterns or HTAA participation status. The COVID-19 lockdown affected the daily oral hygiene routines of children, potentially increasing caries risk. Dental professionals should be aware of the potential impacts on oral health in children in the circumstance of a new lockdown. Parents should be made aware of the oral health consequences of a lockdown.

Rise in arsenic pollution and oral cancer: A call for action

Over 140 million individuals across 70 countries have been exposed to arsenic with the levels surpassing World Health Organization guidelines. Epidemiological evidence strongly supports a causal relationship between oral cancer and arsenic, necessitating stringent regulatory policies and public health initiatives. This commentary delves into the carcinogenic qualities of arsenic, specifying its interference with vital biological functions and its role in promoting cancer development and progression. Regional disparities in oral cancer incidence are linked to varying levels of arsenic exposure, predominantly in areas with contaminated water sources. The challenges in prevention and advocates efficient screening, awareness campaigns, and long-term arsenic remediation are the need of the hour. Despite scientific controversies surrounding the linkage of arsenic with oral cancer, the overwhelming evidence demands coordinated action to combat arsenic contamination and its severe oral health consequences. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of arsenic in oral cancer. Future research is proposed to investigate the molecular role of arsenic in gutkha and tobacco users, considering its contribution to oral cancer heterogeneity.

Oral Pathophysiology in Substance Abuse: A Systematic Analysis of Recreational and Medicinal Drug Impact with Forensic Correlations

Background: This manuscript explores the impact of recreational and medicinal drug abuse on oral health and its forensic implications. Drug abuse, whether recreational or through prescribed medications, has adverse effects on oral tissues. Materials: A comprehensive literature review covered various drug types, analyzing oral manifestations such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, and dental attrition. Results: Findings revealed severe oral health deterioration due to drug abuse, including tooth decay, gum tissue damage, dry mouth, and oral ulcers. Forensic implications were highlighted, linking oral health findings to drug abuse history in investigations. Conclusion: Collaborative efforts among dental practitioners, forensic experts, and toxicologists are crucial for reliable oral health assessments. Early identification of drug abuse cases can aid intervention and resolution of forensic cases. Understanding the oral health consequences of drug abuse plays a critical role in providing valuable evidence in forensic investigations.

Cross Sectional Observational Study of Current E-Cigarette Use and Oral Health Needs among Adolescents, Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, Wave 5

Adolescents are vulnerable to marketing and normalization of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS). ENDS/ENNDS have lung and neurological impacts and a potential for oral health consequences. The aim of this study is to compare adolescents who use ENDS/ENNDS with adolescents who do not use ENDS/ENNDS in oral healthcare needs. A cross-sectional design was used with U.S. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health wave 5 (PATH5; 2018–2019) data, (n = 12,098 adolescents, ages 12–18 years). The Wave 5 response, weighted to be nationally representative was 83.5%. This study included 9538 adolescent/parent dyads. The outcome variable was parent/guardian report of their child’s oral health need(s). The independent variable was self-reported current use/non-use of ENDS/ENNDS. Chi square and logistic regression analyses for oral health need were conducted. The Adjusted Odds Ratio for oral health needs comparing ENDS/ENNDS use vs. no use was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.58; p = 0.0451) controlling for sex/gender, age, race, highest education in the household, physical activity of 60 min daily, self-perceived health, and language spoken at home. ENDS/ENNDS use continues to be a public health concern for U.S. youth. In this study, adolescents who used ENDS/ENNDS were more likely to have oral healthcare need than adolescents who did not use ENDS/ENNDS.

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Oral Health–Related Quality of Life Among Older Men and Women at Two Midwest Senior Centers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in functional, psychosocial, and pain-related consequences of oral health among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Method: The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to assess self-reported oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Researchers also collected demographic information, including age, gender, marital status, level of education, annual income, and ethnicity. Results: Older women reported significantly lower overall OHRQoL than men did, and this difference was not better explained as being due to differences in annual income or marital status. Furthermore, women scored significantly lower on the Physical Functioning and Psychosocial Functioning subscales of the GOHAI, while women also had lower average scores on the Pain/Discomfort subscale. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Older women were reportedly more negatively impacted by OHRQoL issues than older men. Women reported significantly lower levels of physical and psychosocial functioning due to oral health problems. Data regarding gender differences in oral health related pain and discomfort were inconclusive. Further research is needed to examine this question, as well as to determine the reasons why women seem to experience lower OHRQoL than men do in old age.

Oral health literacy, knowledge and perceptions in a socially and culturally diverse population: a mixed methods study

BackgroundPoor oral health literacy has been proposed as a causal factor in disparities in oral health outcomes. This study aims to investigate oral health literacy (OHL) in a socially and culturally diverse population of Australian adults visiting a public dental clinic in Western Sydney.MethodsA mixed methods study where oral health literacy was assessed using the Health Literacy in Dentistry scale (HeLD-14) questionnaire and semi-structured interviews explored oral health related knowledge, perceptions and attitudes. Interviews were analysed using a thematic approach.ResultsA sample of 48 participants attending a public dental clinic in Western Sydney was recruited, with a mean age of 59.9 (SD16.2) years, 48% female, 50% born in Australia, 45% with high school or lower education, and 56% with low-medium OHL. A subgroup of 21 participants with a mean age of 68.1 (SD14.6) years, 40% female, 64% born in Australia, 56% with a high school or lower education, and 45% with low-medium OHL completed the interview. Three themes identified from the interviews included 1) attitudes and perceptions about oral health that highlighted a lack of agency and low prioritisation of oral health, 2) limited knowledge and education about the causes and consequences of poor oral health, including limited access to oral health education and finally 3) barriers and enablers to maintaining good oral health, with financial barriers being the main contributor to low OHL.ConclusionsStrategies aimed at redressing disparities in oral health status should include improving access to oral health information. The focus should be on the impact poor oral health has on general health with clear messages about prevention and treatment options in order to empower individuals to better manage their oral health.

Views on oral health determinants as described by persons with continuous positive airway pressure-treated obstructive sleep apnoea: a qualitative study

BackgroundOral diseases have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, and persons with continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]-treated obstructive sleep apnoea [OSA] have an increased risk for negative consequences for both oral and general health. CPAP treatment is often life-long and adherence to treatment is essential. Xerostomia is a common side-effect which can lead to treatment abandonment. Oral health is a changeable part of our general health and well-being and exploring the views of oral health determinants from persons with experience of CPAP-treatment is important to prevent adverse oral health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore what persons with experience of CPAP-treated OSA view as determinants for their oral health.MethodsEighteen persons with long-term experience of CPAP-treated OSA were purposively selected. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews. A code book based on the World Dental Federation’s [FDI] theoretical framework for oral health was developed and used to analyse the data using directed content analysis. The domains in the framework’s component driving determinants were used as pre-determined categories. Using the description of driving determinants as a guide, meaning units were extracted from the interview transcripts through an inductive approach. Then, by employing a deductive approach the code book was used to categorise the meaning units into the pre-determined categories.FindingsThe views on oral health determinants described by the informants were compatible with the five domains in the component driving determinants in the FDI’s theoretical framework. Ageing, heredity, and salivation (biological and genetic factors), influences from family and the wider society (social environment), location and re-localisation (physical environment), oral hygiene habits, motivation, willingness to change, professional support (health behaviours), and availability, control, finances, and trust (access to care) were viewed as important oral health determinants by the informants.ConclusionThe study points to a variety of individual oral health-related experiences that oral healthcare professionals could consider when designing interventions to reduce xerostomia and prevent adverse oral health outcomes for persons undergoing long-term CPAP-treatment.

Oral Mucosal In Vitro Cell Culture Model to Study the Effect of Fructilactobacillus Phage on the Interplay between Food Components and Oral Microbiota.

Dietary habits, food, and nutrition-associated oral dysbiosis lead to the formation of microbial biofilm, which affects the overall health of an individual by promoting systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, and diabetes. Today's diets contain a variety of fermentable carbohydrates, including highly processed starch and novel synthetic carbohydrates such as oligofructose, sucralose, and glucose polymers. These constitute risk factors in the initiation and progression of oral dysbiosis. Oral, lung and gut microbiomes are interlinked with each other via direct and indirect ways. It is unknown whether or not lactobacilli and Lactobacillus phages are able to rescue dysbiotic effects by decreasing the uptake into the cells of excess simple sugars and their derivatives present within the digestive tract. Using transwell cell culture plate inserts, six groups of in vitro co-cultured TR146 and HepG2 cells, grown in DMEM medium either with or without sucrose (10 % v/v), were treated with 1) PBS, 2) Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (F.s) H2A, 3) F.s H2A and sucrose, 4) F.s H2A plus sucrose plus phage EV3 lysate, 5) F.s H2A plus sucrose plus phage EV3 supernatant, and 6) F.s H2A plus sucrose plus phage EV3 particles. The pH of the culture medium (indicating lactic acid production) and key oral biomarkers, including cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), inflammatory chemokines (e.g., CXCL8 and CCL2), and homeostatic chemokines (e.g., CXCL4 and CCL18) were measured. Excess sucrose significantly enhanced inflammatory signal molecules (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL2) secretion, concomitant with the enhancement of intracellular triglycerides in co-cultured HepG2 cells. Co-culture with F.s H2A decreased the sucrose-induced release of inflammatory signal molecules from co-cultured cells, these effects being abolished by F.s phage EV3. This study shows that Lactobacillus phages apparently influence the interplay between food components, oral microbiota, and the oral cellular milieu, at least in part by affecting the microbial uptake of excess free simple sugars from the oral milieu. To confirm the biological consequences of these effects on human oral microbiota and health, further studies are warranted, incorporating ex vivo studies of human dental plaque biofilms and host biomarkers, such as cytohistological, molecular, or biochemical measurements.

Edentulousness among Patients Visiting a Dental Unit of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Edentulousness (partial or complete) is a sequel of tooth loss and is an indicator of the oral health status of a population. Edentulousness has a series of deleterious consequences for oral and general health. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of edentulousness among patients visiting the dental unit of a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on hospital records of patients visiting the Department of Oral Medicine and Prosthodontics of a tertiary care centre from 1 January 2019 to 30 December 2019 to see the prevalence of edentulousness. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 077/ 078 /40). A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 4697 patients, edentulousness was found in 403 (8.58%) (7.78-9.38, 95% Confidence Interval). Partial edentulous were 263 (65.30%) and complete edentulous were 140 (34.70%). Of the total partial edentulous patient, Kennedy's class III found in 200 (76.05%) was the most common pattern followed by Kennedy's class I in 32 (12.17%), class II in 21 (7.98%) and class IV in 10 (3.80%) patients respectively. The prevalence of edentulousness was similar to other studies done in similar settings. Since edentulousness is a preventable problem, it should be addressed with high priority. dental health service; edentulous mouth; Nepal; prevalence.

Determining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Care in the Serbian Adult Population: An Online Questionnaire-Based Study.

BACKGROUND Emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) could lead to an increase in dental anxiety, avoidance of dental visits, and general neglect of oral health. This online questionnaire-based study conducted in April and May of 2021 in Serbia aimed to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental care. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 2060 adult citizens of the Republic of Serbia who participated in an anonymous online questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were collected on dental care routine prior to and during the pandemic, and the fear of negative consequences for oral health. The results were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and the paired t test. RESULTS Approximately one-fifth of the respondents postponed dental visits during the pandemic. Concern about postponing dental treatment was expressed by more than one-half of the respondents (57.1%), while 21.4% thought that they were already experiencing the consequences. Avoidance of preventive examinations and improvement of oral hygiene are more common among the elderly compared to younger respondents (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the habit of avoiding dental interventions due to fear, but it did lead to part of the population completely avoiding even urgent dental interventions during the peak of the pandemic, and opting for tooth extraction rather than treatment. The strongest impact on dental care in the pandemic was among people over 64 years old.

The prevalence and characteristics of and the association between MIH and HSPM in South-Western France.

Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) involve qualitative structural developmental anomalies of tooth enamel, affecting the first permanent molars (FPM) and the second primary molars, respectively. This developmental anomaly of systemic origin has important consequences for oral health. To determine the prevalence of MIH and HSPM in south-western France and explore the distribution of hypomineralised lesions on permanent and primary molars. Amongst 856 children (aged 7-9 years) in schools randomly selected by the Academy of Bordeaux (Ministry of Education), the FPM, permanent incisors and the second primary molars were examined by two examiners trained and calibrated for the diagnostic criteria for MIH and HSPM of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Molar-incisor hypomineralisation was present in 160 children (18.7%) and HSPM in 81 children (9.5%); 4.9% had both HSPM and MIH (42 of 856). Hypomineralised lesions were present in 1-4 FPM in affected individuals (mean=2.4) and were distributed in an asymmetrical manner with widely varying severity at the tooth and individual level. A child with HSPM was more likely to have MIH than a child without HSPM (95% CI OR=6.0 [3.7-9.7]; p < .0001). Molar-incisor hypomineralisation and HSPM have three main asymmetrical characteristics: tooth location, severity of hypomineralisation and number of teeth affected.

Smokeless tobacco use and dental care utilization, using a National dataset

BackgroundSmokeless tobacco use has serious oral health consequences. The purpose of this current research is to determine the level of dental care utilization among individuals with smokeless tobacco use as compared with individuals who do not use smokeless tobacco. MethodThe U.S. national dataset, 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), was the data source for the cross-sectional study. Smokeless tobacco use and having a dental visit within the previous year were determined from the BRFSS questionnaire. There were 94,821participants included. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were conducted. ResultsThere was a significant relationship with smokeless tobacco use and not having a dental visit within the previous year even after adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, age, education, income, health insurance, smoking, and region. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.42 (95 %CI: 1.17, 1.69; p = 0.0002). ConclusionIndividuals who use smokeless tobacco products are less likely to have a dental visit within the previous year.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Oral Health Literacy Assessment Task: Pathways between parental oral health literacy and oral health consequences in children.

Parental oral health literacy (OHL) is a determinant of oral health behavior and oral health status of children. To delineate the pathways between parental OHL and oral health consequences in children and to validate the Turkish version of the Oral Health Literacy Assessment Task (TOHLAT-P). This cross-sectional study was conducted with 315 parent-child dyads. The TOHLAT-P was psychometrically evaluated. Item analysis was performed to determine the reliability of the TOHLAT-P. Construct validity was tested by comparing a commonly used instrument using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients. A path model was developed to evaluate associations between parental OHL and oral health consequences in children. The model consisted of five endogenous variables (parental oral health behaviors, children's oral health behaviors, children's dental anxiety, dental caries, and oral health-related quality of life [OHRQoL]) and one exogenous variable (parental OHL). A path analysis was used to test the compatibility of the conceptual model, with a statistical significance of p < .001. There was a statistically significant association between parental oral health behaviors and children's oral health behaviors, and between dental caries and OHRQoL. The variable most directly affected by parental OHL was parental oral health behaviors, whereas the variable most indirectly affected by parental OHL was children's oral health behaviors. The path analysis revealed significant associations between parental and children's oral health behaviors, and between dental caries and OHRQoL. Understanding these pathways is necessary to establish strategies to improve children's oral health. The TOHLAT-P will be useful for future assessments of Turkish children.

The pH of bottled water commercially available in Australia and its implications for oral health.

With a higher pH level and being unlikely to erode the tooth, bottled water has been considered a safe alternative to acidic beverages. However, recent studies have reported some bottled water products in different countries to be acidic. The present paper aimed to examine the pH values of 42 bottled waters commercially available in Australia, using a pH meter and probe, and classify their risks to cause erosive tooth wear in comparison with the critical pH of enamel and dentine. Of the 42 bottled water samples collected, 81.0 and 73.8% were considered erosive to tooth dentine and enamel, respectively. Flavoured waters were the most acidic, followed by sparkling waters, spring waters, artesian waters, mineral waters, and alkaline waters. All sparkling waters and flavoured waters showed an erosive risk to the enamel and dentine. A portion of spring waters and artesian waters was also acidic enough to erode tooth structures. The findings of this work were of concern given the risk of sustaining erosive tooth wear from consuming bottled waters. Health promotion strategies including public awareness and education on oral health consequences related to the consumption of bottled water are needed. Future epidemiological and in vivo investigations are also warranted.

Oral health practices and self-reported adverse effects of E-cigarette use among dental students in 11 countries: an online survey

ObjectivesE-cigarette use has become popular, particularly among the youth. Its use is associated with harmful general and oral health consequences. This survey aimed to assess self-reported oral hygiene practices, oral and general health events, and changes in physiological functions (including physical status, smell, taste, breathing, appetite, etc.) due to E-cigarette use among dental students.MethodsThis online, multicounty survey involved undergraduate dental students from 20 dental schools across 11 different countries. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, E-cigarette practices, self-reported complaints, and associated physiological changes due to E-cigarette smoking. Data were descriptively presented as frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to assess the potential associations between the study group and sub-groups with the different factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS at P < 0.05.ResultsMost respondents reported regular brushing of their teeth, whereas only 70% used additional oral hygiene aids. Reported frequencies of complaints ranged from as low as 3.3% for tongue inflammation to as high as 53.3% for headache, with significant differences between E-cigarette users and non-users. Compared to non-smokers, E-cigarette users reported significantly higher prevalence of dry mouth (33.1% vs. 23.4%; P < 0.001), black tongue (5.9% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.002), and heart palpitation (26.3%% vs. 22.8%; P = 0.001). Although two-thirds of the sample reported no change in their physiological functions, E-cigarette users reported significant improvement in their physiological functions compared to never smokers or tobacco users.ConclusionDental students showed good oral hygiene practices, but E-cigarette users showed a higher prevalence of health complications.

Psycho-social correlates of dental anxiety and its association with caries experience in 12-16-year-old school going children in Southern India

Introduction: Dental anxiety causes a decrease in population addressability to the dentist with antagonistic consequences for long-term oral health. Assessment of behavioural factors that correlate with dental anxiety is important for the accurate evaluation of dental fear. Its diagnosis in childhood is important for establishing therapeutic management strategies to reduce anxiety and promote oral health. Materials and Methods: A sample of 289 children of ninth and tenth grades from two public and two private schools of Udupi town was drawn. Two-stage sampling was used for the enrolment of students. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used for the collection of data on psychological aspects, socioeconomic background and health behaviours. Dental anxiety was assessed using a translated version of the modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS). Oral examination was done for the assessment of dental caries using the decayed, missing, filled teeth index. Results: Students from public schools showed a significantly high prevalence of dental anxiety and also higher scores. Dental phobia was significantly more in children from public schools. Female gender, lesser brushing frequency, fewer previous dental visits and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher dental anxiety levels. In addition, the caries experience was significantly higher in children from public schools. Conclusion: Socioeconomic background and social environment in the school play an important role in overcoming dental anxiety and practising healthy behaviour and therefore should be considered to break the vicious cycle of dental anxiety and poor dental health.

A Comparison of Oral Health Outcomes of Self-Reported and Agency-Notified Child Maltreatment in a Population-Based Birth Cohort at 30-Year-Old Follow-Up.

Information on the oral health outcomes of childhood maltreatment in adulthood is limited and reliant on retrospective questionnaires that are subject to recall bias. There are no data from prospective studies using maltreatment reports to statutory agencies. We therefore assessed the effect on dental outcomes and oral health care at 30-year follow-up using both prospective agency notifications and retrospective self-reports of child maltreatment in the same birth cohort. There were 2456 adults with data on dental outcomes and oral health care at follow-up. Information on self-reported abuse was collected using the Child Trauma Questionnaire and linked to child maltreatment notifications to statutory agencies. The prevalence of self- and agency-reported maltreatment was 599 (24.4%) and 142 (5.8%), respectively. At follow-up, 850 participants (34.6%) had undergone a dental extraction for infection or decay, and 810 had experienced significant dental pain over their lifetime. One-third had not visited a dental clinic in the previous 2 years, and 40% failed to brush their teeth at least twice daily. On adjusted analyses, both self- and agency-reported maltreatment showed significant associations with dental extraction (odds ratio = 1.47 [95% confidence interval = 1.21-1.80] and odds ratio = 1.44 [95% confidence interval = 1.01-2.06], respectively). There were similar results for brushing frequency, whereas self-reported maltreatment was associated with dental pain. However, associations were weaker for dental clinic visits and some child maltreatment subtypes. Child maltreatment is associated with adverse oral health consequences in adulthood and is thus a dental and wider public health issue.