27 May 2009

Research to assess the treatment of childhood tooth decay

Dental health researchers from the University of Dundee have been commissioned to lead a £2.87million, UK-wide research project examining various methods of treating tooth decay in children.

Dr Gail Topping, Dr Nicola Innes and Dr Jan Clarkson from the School of Dentistry at Dundee will head up a team comprising researchers from universities in Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Sheffield to carry out the study on behalf of the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA).

They will assess the benefits of three different methods of treating tooth decay in baby teeth with cavities: conventional fillings; biological treatment of the decay; and using only preventive techniques recommended in national guidance to stop further decay. They will also investigate children’s thoughts on the different types of treatments.

Biological treatment of the decay refers to a process of sealing the decay into teeth with filling materials or under crowns, generally without the need to use injections or dental drills. Preventative methods focus on better toothbrushing, reducing the child’s sugar intake, and the application of high fluoride varnish and fissure sealants.

Dr Gail Topping said, 'Treatment for decay in baby teeth varies widely across the UK and there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence for the most effective approach to its management.'

'This trial will enable a clear recommendation to be made regarding the important question of how decayed baby teeth should best be managed in primary dental care.'

Dental decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, with over 40 per cent of children in the UK already experiencing obvious decay in their primary (baby) teeth by five years of age, and this statistic has remained largely unchanged for the past 20 years.

Only around 12 per cent of obviously decayed baby teeth in five year olds are treated with fillings, while the vast majority are left untreated, and dental extractions remain the most common reason for children in the UK to receive an out-patient general anaesthetic.

The study will involve children aged three to seven who already have decay in their baby teeth but experience no toothache or abscesses. Participating dentists will be from general dental practices throughout the UK where children who attend for regular dental care will be invited to take part.

In addition to the preventive treatment for all children in the trial, they will be randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. The children will be asked to rate on a special scale any discomfort they felt during each treatment and asked about what they think of the different ways of treating their teeth.

All children in the trial will be seen by their dentist up to four times per year and checked for any problems which require care.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The HTA programme is a programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produces high quality research information about the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS.

It is the largest of the NIHR programmes and publishes the results of its research in the Health Technology Assessment journal, with over 440 issues published to date. The journal's 2007 Impact Factor (3.87) ranked it in the top 10% of medical and health-related journals.

All issues are available for download free of charge from the website, www.hta.ac.uk The HTA programme is coordinated by NETSCC, HTA, based at the University of Southampton.

The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility.

The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first-class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training.

Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. www.nihr.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk