Analyzing saliva proteins in young children to assess caries risk
Official title: Salivary Metaproteome as a Prediction Tool in Early Childhood Caries
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT06957509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the saliva of 3-year-old children to see if certain proteins can help predict their risk of developing cavities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 3 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06957509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are 3-year-old children living in specific areas of Stockholm.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are older than three years or have recently taken antibiotics or consumed food/drinks before the examination may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the salivary protein composition in 3-year-old children from different communities in Stockholm, Sweden, to identify potential diagnostic predictors for early childhood caries (ECC). By examining saliva samples and conducting clinical oral examinations, researchers will explore the correlation between salivary protein profiles and caries prevalence among the participants. The study focuses on understanding how both human and microbial proteins in saliva may influence the risk of developing ECC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for early diagnosis and risk assessment of early childhood caries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using salivary proteins for caries risk assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the role of oral microbiota in dental health.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 3-year-old children residing in the areas served by Folktandvården Danderyd and Järva, respectively * Written consent, signed by both parents (guardians) Exclusion Criteria: * children older than three years * medication intake, and antibiotic use at the time of examination * children who have consumed food, drink, or used oral hygiene products within 2 hours before the dental visit * children who appear uncooperative during saliva sampling
Where it's running
-
Folktandvården Stockholms län AB
Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Franziska Anna Hetrodt, Dr. med. dent.
- Email: franziska.hetrodt@ki.se
- Phone: +46852488273
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Caries risk after dental treatment under general anesthesia in young children
This project will use the Cariogram to see if children who had dental treatment under general anesthesia for early childhood caries still face a high risk of new cavities.
-
Understanding barriers to changing risky eating in families of kids with severe early childhood caries
This study tests how families respond to guidance to change sugary eating habits for children under six with severe early childhood caries.
-
Helping caregivers prevent repeat dental surgery for preschool children with severe tooth decay
This program tests whether giving caregivers skills and support can help preschool children who need dental surgery avoid repeat cavities and future surgeries.
-
Early oral thrush and baby tooth decay
This study will see if having oral thrush in the first year of life is linked to earlier or more severe tooth decay in infants and toddlers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.