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
Determining How Genetic And Environmental Factors Influence The Developing Oral Microbiota And Drive Disease In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,064.00
Summary
Children’s oral health is in a dire state, with dental decay being the most common chronic disease. We will determine how an individuals’ environment and their genetic makeup drive variation in the composition of the oral microbiota to produce childhood decay, by genetically analysing dental plaque from an Australian twin cohort. Our study will be used to identify high decay risk individuals and direct treatment approaches by discovering anti-decay agents among the oral microbiota.
Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness And Cost-benefit Of A Single Annual Professional Intervention For The Prevention Of Childhood Dental Caries In A Remote Rural Indigenous Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,050,869.00
Summary
The aim of the study is to reduce the high prevalence of tooth decay in children in a remote, rural Indigenous community, by application of a single annual dental preventive intervention. Most dental preventive interventions require regular re-application (3 monthly), which is not possible in resource constrained communities. Importantly, the study will assess cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness for broader implementation across similar communities in Australia and internationally.
Development Of Specific Inhibitors Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Based On Their Cognate Propeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,655.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will develop novel peptide-based therapeutics to inhibit the proteases that enable these bacteria to cause disease.
A Phase Two Clinical Trial Of A Program Delivered By Aboriginal Health Workers To Prevent Early Childhood Caries In Aboriginal Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,905.00
Summary
The severe impact of early childhood dental caries on Aboriginal children highlights the need for the development of evidence-based community oral health strategies which are appropriate to the needs and resources of Aboriginal families and their health care services. This study responds to this need through the evaluation of a family centred oral health strategy developed in consultation with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services which is delivered by Aboriginal Health Workers.
The Aetiology Of Dental Caries - The Role Of Longitudinal Changes In The Oral Microbiome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,637.00
Summary
This study will examine the association between changes in the composition of the oral bacteria over time and the development and progression of dental decay in Australian children.
A Mechanism For Regulation Of Oral And Gut Microflora By Interaction Of Salivary Metabolites With Breast Milk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,687.00
Summary
Saliva "lacks the drama of blood, the sincerity of sweat & the emotional appeal of tears". But spit has important roles for the mouth & digestion. Now researchers in Brisbane have found baby dribble has natural chemicals that form ‘nucleotides’ in cells. They are testing the theory that the nucleotides encourage friendly bacteria in the mouth & gut. When baby saliva mixes with breast milk it also makes natural antibiotics called 'oxidative radicals' that stop bad bacteria. This may be part of th ....Saliva "lacks the drama of blood, the sincerity of sweat & the emotional appeal of tears". But spit has important roles for the mouth & digestion. Now researchers in Brisbane have found baby dribble has natural chemicals that form ‘nucleotides’ in cells. They are testing the theory that the nucleotides encourage friendly bacteria in the mouth & gut. When baby saliva mixes with breast milk it also makes natural antibiotics called 'oxidative radicals' that stop bad bacteria. This may be part of the mechanism ensuring "Breast is best" for babies.Read moreRead less
Intergenerational Change In Oral Health In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,827.00
Summary
Australia's population is ageing and Australians are retaining more teeth in later life. It is expected that as life expectancy increases, more years of life are spend in good health, with disease and disability being postponed to later years of life. No evidence is available to test the compression of morbidity hypothesis in relation to oral health in older Australians. This study will test whether these changes have resulted in more years in good oral health in an elderly population.
Improving Maternal And Infant Outcomes: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Of Midwifery And Dental Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,724.00
Summary
Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and po ....Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes.Read moreRead less
Randomised Control Trial Of Effectiveness Of Silver Fluoride In Managing Deciduous Dental Caries In Remote Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,220.00
Summary
This study seeks to test a non-invasive treatment for dental decay in young children which may prevent the progression of the decay further into the tooth. This treatment is currently used in some areas. Dental decay is very common in young children in remote communities where access to dental care is often limited. The treatment may reduce pain and oral and facial infections sometimes leading to hospitalisation.