Improved Enamel Remineralisation Using A Novel Biomimetic System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,581.00
Summary
Tooth decay remains a major public health problem. The project will involve the testing of the system to remineralize (repair) early stages of decay. The project also involves the detailed characterization of the molecular interactions of the components of a system. It is anticipated that this project will result in the development of a system with substantially superior properties for the non-invasive treatment (repair) of early tooth decay.
Enamel Remineralisation And Prebiosis By A Novel Biomimetic System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$800,585.00
Summary
Tooth decay and erosion involve loss of tooth mineral and are major public health problems.The project will involve the testing of a prototype professional product “Tooth Mousse Professional” to repair early stages of mineral loss. It is anticipated that this project will result in the development of a system with substantially superior properties for the non-invasive treatment of early tooth decay and erosion. The system will also encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth.
The Relationship Between Genes, Environment And Oral Disease In Childhood - A Study Of Twins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,766.00
Summary
Half of Australia's children suffer tooth decay, placing them at risk of toothache, infection and hospitalisation, as well as a host of other problems like sleeping, eating and concentrating. Current preventive strategies are failing, due to an incomplete understanding of the causes of decay. This study of twins, who have been followed since pregnancy, will help to explain the role of genetics as well as other factors such as maternal and early childhood illness in dental disease.
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.
Active Transport Of Calcium Across Dental Enamel Cells - Testing A New Paradigm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,000.00
Summary
Dental enamel defects and tooth loss affect over half our population, resulting in substantial suffering and economic costs. It is likely that many enamel defects could be prevented, and replacement teeth made more lifelike, if more was known about the cells responsible for producing enamel. A particular problem is our lack of understanding about how enamel-forming cells avoid overdosing on calcium, which can lead to cellular toxicity. The overall aim of this research is to use the latest cell b ....Dental enamel defects and tooth loss affect over half our population, resulting in substantial suffering and economic costs. It is likely that many enamel defects could be prevented, and replacement teeth made more lifelike, if more was known about the cells responsible for producing enamel. A particular problem is our lack of understanding about how enamel-forming cells avoid overdosing on calcium, which can lead to cellular toxicity. The overall aim of this research is to use the latest cell biology and biochemical techniques to elucidate the mechanisms of calcium handling in enamel cells, with developing teeth from rat as the experimental model. Our focus is on calcium transport mechanisms, a field where past theories were overturned by our recent findings with gene-knockout animals. We will test a new theory that has arisen from our investigations, using drugs and gene-silencing techniques to interfere with the cellular machinery now thought to be crucial for transporting calcium. By providing strong physiological evidence for this new mechanism, our expected results will define specific proteins that might be targeted by drugs and nutrition, and provide important information about how dietary fluoride and caffeine affect enamel quality. These findings would change thinking about how enamel defects can be prevented and provide a solid foundation to the exciting new field of dental bioengineering, whose goal is to coax stem cells to make natural replacement teeth.Read moreRead less