Investigating the causes of tooth decay in young children from diverse backgrounds
Understand biological factors underlying early childhood caries disparity from the oral microbiome in early infancy
This study is looking at how different factors, like race and income, affect the development of early childhood cavities in young kids, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help find better ways to prevent these dental issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015894 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological factors that contribute to early childhood caries (ECC), a common and preventable dental disease affecting many young children, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. By studying the oral microbiome and its development from birth, the research aims to identify how different risk factors, including race and socioeconomic status, influence the onset and severity of ECC. The study utilizes a unique cohort of low-income minority infants and collects extensive medical and oral health data to explore these relationships. Through this comprehensive approach, the research seeks to uncover critical insights that could lead to effective prevention strategies for ECC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income minority infants, particularly those who are Black or African American, aged 0-5 years.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0-5 years or those not belonging to socioeconomically disadvantaged or minority backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for early childhood caries, particularly benefiting underserved populations.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on early childhood caries, this research is novel in its comprehensive examination of the oral microbiome in underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Jin — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Jin
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 below.