Adolescents who lose teeth due to decay or trauma are 42 per cent more likely to be bullied, according to new collaborative research from the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
In their study—published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research—the researchers analysed data from 4400 children by following their health outcomes from childhood (eight- to nine-year-olds) to adolescence (14- to 15-year-olds).
“Tooth loss isn’t only a dental issue; it’s a social one too. For teenagers, it can have significant psychological impacts at a crucial time in their development,” senior author A/Prof Ankur Singh said.
Around 10 per cent of children in Australia have lost teeth through decay or injury, with children from lower socio-economic backgrounds as well as rural or remote areas the most likely to have experienced tooth loss.
“Poor oral health impacts nutrition, sleep, self-confidence and overall wellbeing, as well as being linked to heart disease and high blood pressure,” Professor Singh said.
“The government needs to invest in prevention programs and improve equitable access to dental care, especially in rural and remote areas and in low-income communities.”
Recent research suggests that bullying is widespread, with 70 per cent of children aged 12-13 experiencing at least one incident of bullying a year.
Within Australia, 28 per cent of year eight students (aged 12 to 13) said they were bullied every month, with eight per cent saying they were bullied every week.
“We hope that this study will raise awareness about the link between oral health, bullying and young people’s overall wellbeing,” first author Yuxi Li added.
