How aging and disease affect the cementum in teeth
Official title: Structure and Biology of the Cementum as a Function of Age and Disease
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11260297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and gum disease affect a part of your teeth called cementum, which helps keep your teeth healthy, to find ways to improve oral health for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DE032049-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing periodontal disease or those at risk due to age-related changes in oral health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and periodontal disease impact the structure and function of cementum, a mineralized tissue in teeth that supports dental health. The study aims to identify changes in the biochemical and mechanical properties of cementum as people age and how these changes may contribute to periodontal disease. By using a model of induced periodontitis, researchers will explore the underlying mechanisms that affect cementum's ability to regenerate and function properly. This research could provide insights into improving oral health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for periodontal disease in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the biological changes in dental tissues with age can lead to significant advancements in dental care, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reis-Havlat, Mariana Cavalcante — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Reis-Havlat, Mariana Cavalcante
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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.