Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Prevention of disease provides better and more cost-effective health outcomes than treatment. Major project areas within this research area include:
- Development of diagnostics
- Functional foods and preventive products
- Recaldent™ process development
- Oral Health promotion
Development of diagnostics
The early identification of disease allows for more effective treatment options. Oral Health CRC researchers are investigating methods of determining early signs of periodontal disease and oral cancers, allowing dentists to find ways of predicting and detecting the onset of these diseases.
Periodontal disease diagnostic
Patients with periodontal disease may experience complex health problems, including risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Around 20% of Australians experience moderate or severe periodontitis. Oral Health CRC researchers are investigating whether early diagnosis of periodontal disease can be made by identifying bacteria in the mouth. If successful, this diagnostic would allow early identification and treatment of the disease. This research is still in the early stages. For updates, please use the Contact Us page of this website.
Above: P.gingivalis biofilm, bacteria associated with peridontal disease
Oral cancer diagnostic
Oral cancers are the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Researchers with the Oral Health CRC are aiming to increase the knowledge base about oral cancers by gaining information about mucosal changes during the onset of oral cancer, the role of risk factors such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and alcohol, and whether early diagnosis can be made by observing changes in cells in the mouth. This research is still in the early stages. For updates, please use the Contact Us page of this website.
Functional foods and preventive products
Researchers with the Oral Health CRC are investigating ways of producing over-the-counter dental healthcare products with improved abilities in preventing dental caries (or dental decay). These products may include toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthrinse, tooth varnish and a dry mouth product.
Our researchers are also committed to producing over-the-counter functional foods and beverages which benefit teeth by minimising the erosion potential, and assisting in preventing dental caries. These products may include sports drinks and chewing gum.
REcaldent™ process development
Recaldent™ is the trademark name of the protein complex CPP-ACP which occurs naturally in cows' milk. Developed by Professor Eric Reynolds, CEO of the Oral Health CRC and Head of the Melbourne Dental School, Recaldent™ can help reverse and prevent dental caries (or tooth decay). The Oral Health CRC along with industry participant Cadbury Enterprises continues to investigate the most efficient means of producing Recaldent™. For more information on Recaldent™, please see the Products section of this website.
Oral health promotion
The Oral Health CRC is committed to promoting improved oral health by communicating the results of our research. For more information, please see the Your Oral Health section of this website.
