Bacteriophages in limiting cariogenicity of dental plaque microcosms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bacteriophages as an antibacterial agent in limiting cariogenicity of dental plaque microcosms
IRAS ID
195501
Contact name
Jennie Foley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dental decay and oral viruses
Dental decay, the principal cause of tooth loss, is a major health problem worldwide. Within Scotland, decay is seen in nearly one-third of both adults and children. A significant proportion of decay remains untreated, particularly in children and where treated, a lifelong cycle of dental fillings frequently follows at significant cost to the NHS. Where decay is more extensive, tooth removal is required and for children, dental treatment is the single most common reason for admission to a Children’s Hospital for general anaesthetic.
Decay is formed by dietary sugars interacting with a sticky matrix of oral bacteria called dental plaque and also, saliva. Decay can be prevented, e.g. by fluoride toothpaste, although concerns exist about toxicity and side-effects and as such, additional measures are needed to target the bacteria that cause dental decay. Naturally-occurring viruses called “phage” exist in the mouth and can target dental bacteria leading to prevention of decay.
This proposal focuses on isolation of “phage” within the mouth and their potential to limit decay-causing bacteria.
Ethical approval is bought sought to recruit both child and adult patients attending both Edinburgh Dental Institute and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. The proposal is to collect teeth which have been removed due to the extent of decay from both children and adults and also to collect plaque- and saliva samples from adult patients to look at the presence of “phage” and their effect on decay-causing bacteria purchased separately from a commercial company. Individual patient participation will be limited to the time taken for dental treatment which is required in any case, plus for adult patients for plaque- and saliva samples to be collected. The plan is to recruit 500 patients over a 24-month period.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
16/ES/0124
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion