Children with heart conditions have a greater likelihood of having frequent cavities, toothaches, or bleeding gums, suggests a new study from the CDC.

Investigators analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health for 2016-2019 and compared the oral health status and recent dental care for children with and without heart conditions. Nearly 10% of children and teenagers, 1-17 years of age, with heart conditions, had poor to fair dental health, in comparison with 5% of children without heart problems. Around 17% of the children with heart conditions were also noted to have symptoms of poor oral health, like decayed teeth or cavities. Additionally, among children with a heart condition, those with lower household incomes and intellectual and developmental disabilities were found to have worse oral health. The investigators noted that one in six children with heart conditions had not received preventive dental care in the previous 12 months… (WebMD)