Link between early Candida infections and severe tooth decay in young children
Official title: Association between early Candida infection (oral thrush) and severe early childhood caries
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11129405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early oral thrush in young kids might be linked to serious tooth decay, and it aims to help us find ways to prevent and treat these dental issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,940 |
| NIH project number | 7K23DE032419-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11 who have experienced early Candida infections or are at risk for severe early childhood caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have a history of Candida infections or severe tooth decay may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between early Candida infections, commonly known as oral thrush, and the development of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in children under 11 years old. The study aims to enhance understanding of how Candida albicans may contribute to tooth decay by examining the oral microbiome and its impact on dental health. By utilizing advanced clinical study designs and interdisciplinary expertise, the research will follow children over time to gather comprehensive data on their oral health and infections. This approach aims to identify potential preventive measures and treatments for S-ECC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for severe tooth decay in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a potential link between oral fungal infections and dental health, suggesting that this investigation could build on existing knowledge in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yuan — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yuan
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.