Investigating how fluorinated pollutants affect tooth development in children
Official title: Health Effects of the Fluorinated Pollutants; PFAS on Enamel Development
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-10918079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals called PFAS might affect the way children's teeth develop, especially in kids aged 0-11, to help find ways to prevent dental problems like fluorosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 12, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $148,614 |
| NIH project number | 5K02DE029531-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may be exposed to fluorinated pollutants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those not exposed to PFAS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of fluorinated pollutants, specifically PFAS, on the development of teeth in children aged 0-11 years. The study aims to analyze how these pollutants can lead to dental issues such as fluorosis by examining the effects on ameloblasts, the cells responsible for tooth enamel formation. Using advanced imaging techniques and collaborations with environmental health experts, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these adverse effects. By identifying these environmental factors, the project aims to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for oral diseases linked to PFAS exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved preventive measures and treatments for dental fluorosis and other oral health issues in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that fluorinated pollutants can cause dental malformations in animal models, indicating a potential for similar findings in human populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Maiko — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Maiko
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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.