Exploring how oral diseases affect lung health in cystic fibrosis patients

Understanding Oral Diseases in Cystic Fibrosis to Develop Tailored Preventive Dental Interventions

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11061896

This study is looking at how oral health affects lung health in young people with cystic fibrosis, and it’s for teens and young adults aged 12 to 30 who want to help us learn if taking care of their teeth can improve their breathing.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061896 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between oral health and respiratory issues in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). By enrolling 210 participants aged 12 to 30, the study will assess oral diseases like caries and gingivitis and their potential impact on lung health. Participants will undergo three study visits over two years, during which researchers will collect data on oral health, respiratory outcomes, and relevant biological samples. The goal is to understand how improving oral health could benefit lung function in CF patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 30 who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 30 or those without a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored dental interventions that improve lung health and overall quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between oral health and respiratory conditions has been suggested, this specific investigation into cystic fibrosis is novel and has not been extensively studied before.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Airway infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.