Dry mouth, which can occur due to the prevalent systemic autoimmune disease, Sjögren's; in response to radiation treatment; and as a side effect of medications, causes rampant tooth decay and loss. We need better restoration materials that work well in a dry mouth and improvements in dental implants when restoration doesn’t work. This study would determine the best prevention, management and treatment plans for dental... more »

Dental caries affects 90% of US adults and is more severe in underserved populations. Caries is caused by a complex biofilm and severity is influenced by dietary intake of sugars. Recent studies have identified caries-susceptibility alleles, some of which may be modified by fluoride use. However, more studies are needed in diverse populations. Understanding genetic factors influencing dental caries may improve caries... more »

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), is a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. The 2014 US National Health Interview Survey reported 4.6% of adults reported pain in the face or jaw in the previous 3 months. TMD often overlaps with other pain disorders, including headache, low back pain, and chronic widespread pain. Identification of genes and gene... more »

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a severe type of periodontal disease (PD) that affects younger patients (< 30 years), with the highest prevalence in populations of African descent. Features include bone loss around teeth, familial aggregation, and altered neutrophil function. Unraveling the genetic architecture of AgP may help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying AgP and chronic PD, and could identify... more »