Exploring how childhood trauma affects dental health in children
Official title: The Role of Brain-Oral-Microbiome Axis in Adverse Childhood Experiences-associated Dental Caries in Children
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11057403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might affect kids' dental health, especially for those from minority backgrounds, by exploring how the brain and gut bacteria work together to influence tooth decay.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033799-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have experienced adverse childhood events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood experiences or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and dental caries in children. It focuses on understanding the biological factors that may link these traumatic experiences to oral health issues, particularly in children from racial or ethnic minority groups who are disproportionately affected. The study will examine the role of the brain-oral-microbiome axis, which involves the interactions between the gut microbiome and the neuroendocrine-immune system, in contributing to dental decay. By identifying specific biological markers associated with dental caries, the research aims to provide insights that could help reduce oral health disparities in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for dental caries in children who have experienced trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between childhood trauma and various health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tran, Nini Chaichanasakul — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tran, Nini Chaichanasakul
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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.