Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased Risk: Children with heart conditions are at higher risk for infective endocarditis from oral bacteria.
2. Preventive Care Disparities: 83% of children with heart conditions received preventive dental care, but 17% had poor oral health symptoms, and 10% had teeth in fair or poor condition.
3. Socioeconomic Impact: Poor oral health was more prevalent among children with lower household incomes and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
4. Public Health Implications: Strategies are needed to improve oral health among children with heart conditions, especially those with fewer resources.
5. Survey Findings: The study used data from the 2016–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, comparing 2,928 children with heart conditions to 116,826 without.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Karrie F. Downing, yyx9@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Downing KF, Espinoza L, Oster ME, Farr SL. Preventive Dental Care and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents With and Without Heart Conditions — United States, 2016–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:189–195. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7106a1

Summary

This study examined the oral health and preventive dental care of U.S. children aged 1–17 years with and without heart conditions using data from the 2016–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health. It found that children with heart conditions are more likely to have poor oral health and teeth in fair or poor condition compared to those without heart conditions. Socioeconomic factors and intellectual or developmental disabilities were associated with worse oral health outcomes.

Methods

The study utilized data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, focusing on children aged 1–17 years with teeth. It included 2,928 children with heart conditions and 116,826 without. The analysis used Wald chi-square tests and logistic regression models to assess associations between heart condition status and oral health outcomes, adjusting for factors like sex, age, race/ethnicity, household income, and presence of intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Discussion

The findings indicate that children with heart conditions have a higher prevalence of poor oral health and are less likely to receive preventive dental care, particularly those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and those from lower-income households. These disparities suggest a need for targeted public health strategies to improve oral health care access and outcomes for these vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Children with heart conditions face significant challenges in maintaining good oral health, with socioeconomic factors and disabilities exacerbating these issues. Public health initiatives should focus on education, collaboration among healthcare providers, and improving access to dental care to mitigate these disparities.

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