Understanding how some Indigenous children resist cavities
Official title: Caries resistance mechanisms in high-risk Indigenous children
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11061829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some Indigenous children who are at high risk for cavities might be naturally protected from them, by exploring the good bacteria in their mouths and the role of saliva, to find ways to help prevent cavities for these kids and others too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $764,032 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032834-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Indigenous children aged 0-11 years who are at high risk for developing cavities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the Indigenous demographic or who are not at high risk for early childhood caries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the natural mechanisms that may protect high-risk Indigenous children from early childhood caries (ECC). It focuses on the interactions between beneficial bacteria in the mouth and the properties of teeth, particularly how saliva may play a role in this protection. By examining the differences in oral microbiomes and tooth composition between children with and without caries, the study aims to identify potential treatments that could prevent cavities in these children and possibly in the wider population. The research combines observational studies with experimental approaches to uncover these protective mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive treatments for early childhood caries, significantly improving dental health in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of oral microbiomes in dental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bidlack, Felicitas B — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Bidlack, Felicitas B
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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.