Toxic Family Environment May Compromise Oral Health
Toxic Family Environment May Compromise Oral Health A new study proposes that toxic family environments do more than damage self esteem—such conditions are also associated with poor oral health in both children and adults. The article, “Noxious Family Environments in
Toxic Family Environment May Compromise Oral Health
A new study proposes that toxic family
environments do more than damage self-esteem—such conditions are also
associated with poor oral health in both children and adults. The article,
“Noxious Family Environments in Relation to Adult and Childhood Caries,” was
published in September in the Journal of
the American Dental Association.
To reach this conclusion, researchers
from New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, examined 135
married/cohabiting couples and their elementary-school-aged children.
Participants agreed to be observed in laboratory interactions. Prior to such observation,
participants received an oral exam, at which time the number of decayed,
missing, and filled surfaces was documented. Questionnaires on oral health
were administered to both children and adults, and parents also were asked to
complete a questionnaire about interparental and parent-to-child physical
aggression (eg, pushing) and emotional aggression, such as derision, as well as
the use of harsh discipline.
The team found that the presence of
caries in adults was associated with their partners’ levels of overall noxious
behavior toward them, while the oral health of children who witnessed high
levels of emotional aggression between their parents was also impacted. This
led researchers to conclude that toxic family environments may compromise oral
health. They assert further research is necessary to substantiate their
findings.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
October 2014
