Negative experiences in childhood have been labelled a 'toxic stress' on dental health, according to a new report.

Research published in the Journal of Community Dentistry Oral and Epidemiology has provided strong evidence for reinforcing claims that socioeconomic factors have a divisive role to play in the health of children.

Children exposed to adverse experiences were more than twice as likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease and suffer from conditions such as unfilled cavities, missing teeth and toothache, all of which can have serious implications for overall health.

Some of the factors measured by researchers included the child being subject to a parental divorce, a parent spending time in jail, household income and education of the parent. Exposure to domestic violence, witness to drug and alcohol abuse, and living with someone who suffers from mental illness, suicidal tendencies or depression were also evaluated in relation to dental health.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: 'the effects of such childhood experiences should remain in the foreground of dental professionals, public health advocates and the government's social support networks.