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Stress causes tooth decay in children

In a new study, researchers at the University of British Columbia, Canada, have found that certain social and psychological factors in young children appear to increase the risk of caries. The study followed the 132 kindergarten-age children for two years.

This decay was associated with three factors: high levels of caries-producing bacteria, high levels of a hormone called cortisol and live in families with incomes below the poverty level.

children with more cavities in their mouths had high levels of caries-producing bacteria. These children also had high levels of cortisol in saliva. Cortisol is usually released in response to stress and helps the body digest sugars.

The researchers also examined the baby teeth that fell during the study. Children with more cortisol in their saliva had teeth with enamel thinner and softer.

This study appeared in the November issue of the journal Social Science and Medicine.
Source: http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.EMIHC252/st.31819/t.32571/pr.3/d.dmtNewsContent/c.1380659.html