Researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry at King Abdulaziz University have found that passive inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the risk of cavities in children. This is reported by Frontiers in Oral Health.
In the course of the study, scientists analyzed data from 427 children and found that more than half of them lived in households with smoking adults. The children exposed to tobacco smoke at home, in the car, or during family gatherings had higher rates of cavities.
The analysis confirmed that the extent of tooth decay was directly related to the number of sources of tobacco smoke around the child. The lowest level of cavities was found in children with no exposure to smoke, while the highest was in those who encountered it in several places.
Experts noted that tobacco smoke alters the properties of saliva, reducing its ability to neutralize acids, which leads to demineralization of enamel. Additionally, these children more frequently experience gum inflammation and plaque buildup due to changes in the bacterial biofilm. The authors also pointed out that children in smoking households often exhibit less healthy eating habits, which may also contribute to the development of cavities.
