WARM SPRINGS TRIBES and IHS
Begin a Study to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of Tooth Decay

    A study to reduce tooth decay in young American Indian and Alaskan Native children was begun last week at the Indian Health Service (IHS) Dental Clinic that provides health care services to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Central Oregon. The study is being conducted by the IHS, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Warm Springs Tribes. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in American children and adults, and is particularly severe among Indian children.
    "Tooth decay is a serious health issue for our children and especially for American Indian children, who are four times as likely to suffer from tooth decay than other children when they are of preschool age," Secretary Thompson said. "This study will help determine whether a common drug can help to prevent tooth decay and reduce its impact on our children. IHS and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs deserve credit for this important collaboration."
    Under the study protocol, mothers of infants will receive a dental varnish containing either an antimicrobial agent called chlorhexidine, intended to reduce the mother's oral bacteria, or a varnish placebo. The varnish will be applied by a dental professional during short, painless appointments. Tooth decay in children primarily results from a communicable infectious disease that develops after they acquire certain oral bacteria commonly found in adults. Due to the close contact between mother and baby, the infant usually gets these bacteria from the mother. Earlier studies have shown that if mothers have fewer of the decay-causing bacteria, their children will likewise usually have lower levels of bacteria and less decay.
    "This study represents an innovative approach to preventing tooth decay by focusing on the potential transfer of decay-causing bacteria from mother-to-child rather than on behavioral and nutritional issues," said Charles W. Grim, DDS, Interim Director of the IHS. "If successful, this study could lead to improved dental health for children throughout the country, in addition to greatly reducing the suffering and improving the self esteem of Indian children. I am very pleased that IHS is supporting this important primary prevention effort, and I commend the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribe and IHS dental staff for taking the lead."     Almost 30% of American children age 6-8 and one third of Americans over age 50 have active tooth decay. An estimated $25 billion is spent annually in the U.S. to restore teeth affected by this bacterial infection. Chlorhexidine has been widely used in the U.S. for over 25 years as an antimicrobial for the skin and as a disinfectant for contact lenses. A private specialty pharmaceutical company is providing the medication needed to conduct the study. Plans for the study have been underway for three years. During this time the tribal leaders of the Warm Springs community have been informed on multiple occasions of all the details of the study.     "Because of the severity of tooth decay in children here, the Warm Springs Tribes have given us full endorsement to move ahead with this study," said Frank Mendoza, DDS, the pediatric dentist at the Warm Springs dental clinic. "Community leaders are as eager as the dental team to find an effective prevention that will improve the dental health of their children." Participation in the study is entirely voluntary both for communities and individuals. Each mother who chooses to participate receives extensive education on the potential risks and benefits, and signs an informed consent agreement before receiving the initial study medication.
    Later this year two other clinics serving Indian communities will join Warm Springs in this study. Among the three sites the study will involve 600 mothers and their babies over an 18 month period.

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Click here for a link to the IHS Oral Health Disparity fact sheet.

Click here for a link to the IHS Dental Program web page.

Click here for a link to the IHS press release on the results of the third national oral health study report.