A childhood history of oral infections and dental fillings is associated with an almost twofold increased risk of atherosclerosis in adulthood, according to findings from a study spanning 27 years.

A prospective cohort of  755 people in Finland were followed from childhood, undergoing clinical oral examinations in 1980 at age 6, 9 or 12, through to adulthood.

Four signs of oral infections were documented: bleeding on probing, periodontal probing pocket depth, caries and dental fillings.

The presence of any sign of oral infection in childhood was associated with an 87% elevated risk of atherosclerosis in adulthood, and the presence of all four signs was linked to a 95% increased risk.