The Overlooked Crisis: How Domestic Violence Harms Women's Oral Health

The Unseen Health Impact of Domestic Abuse

When we think of domestic violence, we often picture bruises, emotional trauma, or isolation. However, one crucial aspect is frequently overlooked: the impact on a woman's oral health.

New research published in BDJ Team (April 2025) brings a powerful spotlight to this overlooked issue, revealing how survivors of domestic abuse face significant oral health challenges — and often, barriers to receiving the care they need.

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we believe true healing means addressing all the ways domestic violence harms survivors, including the ones hidden behind their smiles.

New Research Highlights the Oral Health Crisis

A literature review conducted by Yvonne Crichton (University of the Highlands and Islands) examined six major studies, including cohort studies, cross-sectional analyses, and systematic reviews.

The findings were clear:

• Women who experience domestic abuse face higher rates of dental trauma, periodontal disease, and oral health neglect.

• Financial limitations, fear, emotional distress, and social stigma prevent many survivors from accessing needed dental care.

• Dental therapists and dental professionals have a critical opportunity to intervene, recognize abuse, and offer trauma-informed support.

This research sheds light on a vital piece of the public health puzzle — one that demands immediate attention from both the healthcare and domestic violence advocacy communities.

How Domestic Abuse Impacts Women's Oral Health

1. Physical Injuries

Physical assaults during domestic violence often target the head, neck, and mouth. Studies show a high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among survivors, including:

• Tooth fractures

• Tooth loss

• Soft tissue injuries inside the mouth

• Jaw fractures and facial trauma

Untreated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, infections, malnutrition, and even systemic health issues.

2. Psychological Trauma

Emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, and PTSD profoundly impact survivors' ability to maintain daily oral hygiene. Research highlights that survivors often:

• Brush teeth irregularly

• Avoid dental visits due to fear or shame

• Struggle with motivation for self-care due to depression

The psychological toll of abuse creates a cycle where poor oral health becomes both a symptom and a painful reminder of trauma.

3. Barriers to Dental Care

Accessing dental care presents unique challenges for survivors:

• Financial constraints (especially after financial abuse)

• Fear of judgment or reprisal from abusers

• Anxiety about disclosing abuse to healthcare providers

• Social isolation or lack of transportation to dental clinics

Without intervention, these barriers leave survivors vulnerable to worsening health problems and missed opportunities for early detection of abuse by trained dental professionals.

The Critical Role of Dental Professionals

Dental professionals — especially dental therapists — are uniquely positioned to spot early warning signs of domestic violence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Recognizing patterns of dental trauma inconsistent with accidental injury

• Noticing signs of chronic stress (such as bruxism, grinding teeth)

• Creating a safe environment for disclosure

• Providing referrals to support services

Research shows that better training for dental teams can make a life-saving difference for survivors trapped in cycles of violence and neglect.

Trauma-Informed Dental Care - A New Standard

Trauma-informed dental care means seeing the whole person, not just their teeth.

It involves:

• Listening without judgement

• Respecting survivors’ boundaries and autonomy

• Explaining procedures clearly to avoid triggering fear

• Offering choices wherever possible to empower patients

• Being aware of and sensitive to signs of distress

By practicing trauma-informed care, dental professionals can transform routine visits into opportunities for intervention, validation, and healing.

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we believe trauma-informed practices should be the gold standard across all areas of healthcare and social services.

How D.O.V.E.S. Network® Advocates for Holistic Survivor Care

D.O.V.E.S. Network® champions a holistic approach to survivor healing, including:

• Training for allied professionals (educators, healthcare providers, community advocates) on recognizing abuse and responding with care

• Youth prevention programs that teach emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and self-advocacy

• Empowerment workshops that address total well-being — emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial

• Community awareness campaigns connecting the dots between trauma, health outcomes, and violence prevention

Because survivors deserve more than survival, they deserve restoration in every area of life.

What You Can Do - Supporting Survivors' Total Well-Being

• Educate yourself — Learn the signs of abuse, not just physical, but emotional and financial.

• Advocate for trauma-informed care — Push for training across healthcare settings.

• Support survivors holistically — Understand that healing touches every part of a survivor's life, including their smile.

• Invest in prevention — support programs like D.O.V.E.S. Network that intervene early and break the cycle of addiction.

Final Thoughts - Healing Beyond the Visible Scars

Domestic violence leaves scars we can see — and many more that we can’t. Oral health is one of the hidden casualties, and yet it holds enormous power over a survivor’s quality of life, self-esteem, and future healing.

Together, by expanding our understanding and compassion, we can address all the wounds abuse leaves behind — seen and unseen.

Healing isn’t just about stopping violence. It’s about rebuilding wholeness — one smile at a time.