Evaluating the effects of fluoridated bottled water on dental health in children
Official title: Phase II, proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to evaluate dental caries preventive effects of fluoridated bottle water
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10897119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether drinking fluoridated bottled water can help prevent cavities in kids who live in places without fluoridated tap water, and it involves about 470 babies from Kinston, NC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | September 16, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,148,810 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE029169-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are infants born within the study period in Kinston, NC, who are living in non-fluoridated water areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those living in areas with fluoridated public water systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential dental health benefits of fluoridated bottled water for children living in areas without fluoridated public water systems. It involves a randomized controlled trial where approximately 470 infants born in Kinston, NC, will be monitored to assess the preventive effects of consuming fluoridated bottled water on dental caries. The study aims to provide scientific evidence to support the use of fluoridated bottled water as a public health strategy for improving dental health in communities lacking fluoridated tap water.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental health outcomes for children by promoting the use of fluoridated bottled water.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been observational studies on fluoride benefits, this is a novel approach as it is the first randomized controlled trial specifically evaluating fluoridated bottled water.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slade, Gary Douglas — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Slade, Gary Douglas
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.