Understanding inflammation in children's teeth with enamel defects
Official title: Neuronal and Bacterial Driven Inflammation of the Dental Pulp in Molar Hypomineralization
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11055166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerves and bacteria can cause pain and sensitivity in kids with soft spots on their teeth, and the researchers want to find better ways to help these children feel better and improve their dental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $152,680 |
| NIH project number | 1K08DE033793-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit signs of molar hypomineralization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have molar hypomineralization or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates molar hypomineralization (MH), a common dental condition in children characterized by soft spots on teeth that can lead to sensitivity and pain. The study aims to explore how both sensory neurons and bacteria contribute to inflammation in the dental pulp associated with MH. By using advanced techniques to analyze immune responses in the teeth, the researchers hope to identify effective treatments that can alleviate symptoms and improve dental health in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options for children suffering from tooth sensitivity and inflammation due to molar hypomineralization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dental pulp inflammation, but this specific approach to studying molar hypomineralization is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karaaslan, Hakan — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Karaaslan, Hakan
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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.