“Genetics, epigenetics, and the environment” is often used to describe a complex that results in the production of a phenotype; the latter two usually blamed with missing heritability. We know that the environment affects dental development and dental caries susceptibility, but we have little information about the precise molecular mechanisms linking the environment to observed phenotypes. This study interorgates the role of epigenetics in dental development and dental caries.
Tooth Emergence And Oral Streptococci Colonisation: A Longitudinal Study Of Australian Twins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,600.00
Summary
We plan to include over 500 Australian families of twins in this 5-year study and to collect records of tooth emergence, cheek cells for DNA analysis, dental plaque samples for microbiological analysis, as well as other information from questionnaires. Firstly, we want to learn how genetic and non-genetic factors influence the timing and sequence of emergence of primary (baby) teeth. Most children get their baby teeth between the ages of 6 months and 2.5 years, but sometimes they appear earlier, ....We plan to include over 500 Australian families of twins in this 5-year study and to collect records of tooth emergence, cheek cells for DNA analysis, dental plaque samples for microbiological analysis, as well as other information from questionnaires. Firstly, we want to learn how genetic and non-genetic factors influence the timing and sequence of emergence of primary (baby) teeth. Most children get their baby teeth between the ages of 6 months and 2.5 years, but sometimes they appear earlier, even at birth, and some children don't get all their baby teeth until about 4 years. By studying identical twins and non-identical twins we will be able to work out whether genetic factors are most important in determining this variation or whether other factors such as diet or illness also play a significant role. Secondly, we want to find out whether there is a relationship between the timing of emergence of the primary teeth and the growth of bacteria in the mouth that may lead to dental decay. It seems that the most likely source of the bacteria that can cause dental decay is a baby's mother and that children infected before three years of age are more likely to get dental decay subsequently. We will determine when decay-producing bacteria first appear in the mouth and check whether the same types of bacteria are present in twins and their mothers. This information will enable us to sort out whether the process that allows bacteria to become established around the teeth has a strong genetic basis or not. If we can gain a better understanding of how genetic and environmental factors influence dental development, we will be in a better position to manage individuals with altered tooth emergence that can lead to crowded teeth. Furthermore, if we can demonstrate a link between tooth emergence, growth of oral bacteria, and development of dental decay, we should be able to determine the most effective time to introduce preventive measures to control dental disease.Read moreRead less
Genetic, Environmental And Epigenetic Influences On Human Tooth Emergence: A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,053.00
Summary
By studying a large sample of twins and their families, we want to find out how important genetic and environmental factors are in determining when primary ("baby") teeth appear in the mouth. This will improve our knowledge about the process of tooth eruption which is still not clearly understood. It will also be important for clinicians in managing situations where teeth appear in the mouth either very early or very late compared with what is generally expected and to counsel families where the ....By studying a large sample of twins and their families, we want to find out how important genetic and environmental factors are in determining when primary ("baby") teeth appear in the mouth. This will improve our knowledge about the process of tooth eruption which is still not clearly understood. It will also be important for clinicians in managing situations where teeth appear in the mouth either very early or very late compared with what is generally expected and to counsel families where there are problems of dental development.Read moreRead less
Teeth And Faces Of Australian Twins: A Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,226.00
Summary
We are seeking support from the NHMRC to complete a longitudinal study of 250 pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, whom we have examined at around 4-6 years of age when all the baby teeth were present in the mouth, then again at around 8-10 years of age when both primary and permanent teeth were present. We now plan to examine these twins again at around the age of 11-13 years when all the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are normally present. Records to be obtained from th ....We are seeking support from the NHMRC to complete a longitudinal study of 250 pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, whom we have examined at around 4-6 years of age when all the baby teeth were present in the mouth, then again at around 8-10 years of age when both primary and permanent teeth were present. We now plan to examine these twins again at around the age of 11-13 years when all the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are normally present. Records to be obtained from the twins over the next three years will include dental examinations, dental impressions from which casts can be made, shed primary teeth, and intra- and extra-oral photographs. We will apply modern methods of genetic analysis to determine the importance of genetic and environmental influences on observed variation in several dental and facial features. We will also study the fascinating phenomenon of mirror imaging in twins, where one twin mirrors the other for one or more features. Longitudinal studies of twins, in which a large sample of children is studied over several years, provide a powerful means of determining how genes influence growth and development. As far as we are aware, ours is the only large-scale longitudinal study of dental and facial growth in twins being undertaken in the world at present. Once we have collected all the data and carried out analyses, we will gain a much better understanding of the factors that can influence development of the teeth and face, and be in a much better position to be able to predict those children who are most likely to develop malocclusions in later life.Read moreRead less
Integrating Basic, Clinical And Applied Research To Prevent Tooth Decay
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,677.00
Summary
There is nothing quite like the searing intensity of dental pain to remind us of the value of healthy teeth. When our children are afflicted the effects can be devastating for families and clinicians. Sadly, many Australian children must bear this pain due to a widespread developmental condition called Molar Hypomineralisation (MH). The proposed translational research project seeks to reduce the pain associated with MH by providing new treatment approaches and ultimately prevention.
Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Smear Layers In Root Canals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$32,628.00
Summary
The project is in the general field of clinical dentistry, and in the speciality area of endodontics (root canal treatment). It examines the ability of several novel laser systems to remove bacteria and soft tissue debris from the root canals of teeth, building on recent developments in optical fiber technology and in antimicrobial therapy.
Impact Of Health Policy On The Delivery Of Dental Services And Child Oral Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,304,799.00
Summary
This project will study the use of dental services by children and adolescents in Australia and how use relates to oral health outcomes. Variation in the support for the use of private dentists and the organisation and delivery of school dental services will be compared both within and across all states and territories so as to inform policy discussions on how to best improve child oral health.
Minimally Invasive Approach To Manage Early Childhood Caries In Aboriginal Preschoolers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,488,220.00
Summary
The treatment of dental decay in young children is often undertaken in a hospital, which is costly and risky. A treatment approach tested among a non-Aboriginal preschool population in WA, using hand instruments only and without the use of local anaesthesia, showed nearly a ten-fold reduction in the need for specialist dental care. This study will test the effectiveness of dental treatment of preschool children in rural and remote Aboriginal communities, using the alternative approach.
Determinants Of Inequality In Child Oral Health At School Age–A Prospective Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,229,853.00
Summary
This study aims to examine effects of socioeconomic circumstances as determinants of child oral health conditions, which can be mediated by dietary patterns, use of fluoride and dental service.
Understanding Influences On Oral Health Of Contemporary Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
This study will contribute to an understanding of the factors affecting child oral health. Findings will have scientific value and relevance for the policy-making process in developing new methods of oral health prevention to target modifiable factors that will lead to improvement of oral health of children