By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Mar 4 2026 A national study suggests that cavities and gum disease in childhood may echo decades later in the arteries, reinforcing the idea that protecting young smiles could also help safeguard lifelong heart health. Study: Childhood oral health is associated with the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood . Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com Oral disease in adults is linked to cardiovascular disease ( CVD) ,