Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
07:09
Use of a High-throughput In Vitro Microfluidic System to Develop Oral Multi-species Biofilms
Published on: December 1, 2014
The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study: Oral health findings and their implications
C L Hong1, J M Broadbent1, W M Thomson1
1Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago.
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
|April 1, 2020
Summary
Longitudinal oral health research over 40 years reveals insights into disease natural history and impacts on life quality. Findings inform public health policy and address disparities in New Zealand.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Longitudinal studies
- Public health
Background:
- The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study has collected oral health data for over 40 years.
- Over 70 peer-reviewed articles have emerged from the Study's oral health findings.
- Understanding the long-term trajectory of oral conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of oral health findings from the Dunedin Study.
- To discuss the public health implications of these findings.
- To assess the policy utility of the Study's oral health research in New Zealand.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data collection on oral health over four decades.
- Analysis of published peer-reviewed articles stemming from the Study.
- Synthesis of findings related to oral condition natural history, risk factors, and quality of life impacts.
Main Results:
- Extensive insights into the natural history of various oral conditions.
- Identification of key risk factors influencing oral health trajectories.
- Evidence of oral health's impact on quality of life and social outcomes.
- Documentation of oral health disparities.
Conclusions:
- The Dunedin Study provides a robust evidence base for understanding oral health.
- Findings have significant implications for public health strategies and policy development in New Zealand.
- Continued longitudinal research is vital for advancing oral health knowledge and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Oral Cavity
The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...