Does Tooth Loss Lead to School Bullying? Evidence from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

By leveraging longitudinal data, this study quantifies the within-individual association between tooth loss and bullying victimization during adolescence, underscoring the importance of preventing dental caries and trauma impacts. These findings suggest that tooth loss may be a modifiable determinant of bullying risk during adolescence, with potential implications for long-term mental health outcomes.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This study demonstrates a 42% higher risk of school bullying among adolescents who experience tooth loss due to decay or trauma. These findings emphasize the critical need for clinicians to prioritize preventive dental care and early intervention to reduce the social impacts of poor oral health. Policy makers should incorporate oral health interventions alongside antibullying initiatives in schools to mitigate the cascading effects of bullying on mental health and social well-being in adolescents.