Tooth decay patterns from infancy through early adolescence in underserved children
Predicting Caries Lesion Patterns and Trajectories in Underserved Children, from Infancy to Early Adolescence, in Primary Healthcare Settings
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11301860
Following children at high risk for cavities from age 1 into their early teens to see how and where tooth decay develops over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would continue in a long-term project that has followed children from age 1 through about 9½ years and now follows them into early adolescence. Participants have regular dental exams at primary care or partner clinic visits and answer questions about diet, oral hygiene, medical history, and access to care. The team maps which teeth and surfaces develop cavities and tracks how those patterns change as kids grow and as behaviors or health factors change. The aim is to find groups of children who could benefit from more targeted preventive care during adolescence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children from underserved communities who have been in the existing high-caries risk cohort since early childhood or similar children now entering early adolescence.
Not a fit: Children without a history of tooth decay, adults, or those unable to attend clinic visits are unlikely to see direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor preventive dental care to reduce cavities and improve oral health for adolescents in underserved communities.
How similar studies have performed: Long U.S. studies that follow caries from infancy into adolescence are rare, so this extended follow-up is relatively novel though shorter cohort studies have helped shape preventive approaches.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FONTANA, MARGHERITA R — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: FONTANA, MARGHERITA R
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.