Identification and validation of LPA/LPAR signaling as a target for the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) pain

Principal Investigator: Pei Feng Lim, BDS, MS. The purpose of this research study is to determine if lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)/LPA receptor (LPAR) signaling contributes to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) pain. This study will enroll 120 subjects scheduled to undergo TMJ surgery. Participants will undergo a screening that includes a clinical examination of the face and jaw, completion of TMD symptom surveys, determination of pain threshold at various bodily sites, and determination of bite force. TMJ tissue specimen that is collected during TMJ surgery is used to analyze the LPA level. This research is funded by the National Institutes of Health.  Contact lead investigator Pei Feng Lim: peifeng_lim@unc.edu

Effects of Curcumin-Containing Toothpaste on Dental Biofilm and Associated Oral Halitosis

The General and Oral Health Center is currently recruiting participants for a study analyzing the potential effects of toothpaste containing curcumin on halitosis (bad breath). If you qualify to be in the study, participation will include up to 5 visits in the GO Health Clinic located within the UNC School of Dentistry. You may be eligible to participate if you are 18 years of age or older and you believe you have bad breath, have at least 20 teeth, are in good general health and have not received a professional dental cleaning in the last week. Participants that complete this study will receive up to $450 throughout the study (up to $75 per visit), a dental cleaning, parking vouchers for each study visit and professional advice on how to manage halitosis. If interested, please contact the GO Health Center at 919-537-3424 or gohealthcenter@unc.edu.

Children's Fluoride Consumption Study

Help us learn if fluoride in bottled water can help prevent cavities in early childhood. Your household may be able to take part in this research study if: • Your child is between 2 months old and 6 months old • You live in Kinston NC or Lenoir County NC The study can be done entirely from your home and by phone. You may be compensated up to $480 for your time and effort Enrollment will start in the Spring of 2022 and study visits will occur through 2026. See if your household can participate by contacting the study coordinator at 919-445-5140 or email at waterBESTstudy@unc.edu For more information go to waterBESTstudy.com UNC-CH IRB 20-3273. The investigator for this study is Dr. Gary Slade. Contact the Institutional Review Board at 919-966-3113 or by email to IRB_subjects@unc.edu.

Dental Research Study (IFI Study)

The GO Health Clinic at the Adams School of Dentistry is currently recruiting participants for a research study analyzing the effects of a specific protein on periodontal (gum) disease. If you qualify to be in the study, participation will include 6 visits to the Adams School of Dentistry. You may be eligible to participate if you are at least 18 years of age, have periodontal (gum) disease, have at least 20 natural teeth, are not a smoker and are not diabetic. Participants that complete this study will receive a $200.00 Visa gift card, a free dental cleaning, and parking vouchers for each study visit. If interested, please contact the GO Health Clinic at 919-537-3424 or gohealthcenter@unc.edu.

Nasal Ram Pressure (NRP) Study

This is an observational study that will enroll two-year-old children with repaired cleft palate for four study visits over a three-year period. We will determine the clinical utility of a novel aerodynamic measure (nasal ram pressure) obtained at two years of age to predict speech and velopharyngeal (VP) function when older at 3-, 4-, and 5-years of age. To learn more about this study, please email Stop_Study@unc.edu.

Speech Study

This is an observational study that will enroll children between 4 to 6 years of age with and without repaired cleft palate for four study visits over a three-year period. We will enroll three groups of children: (i) with repaired cleft palate, (ii) without cleft palate but with history of frequent middle ear infections, and (iii) typically-developing without cleft palate or frequent middle ear infections. We will make audio recordings of the children to document changes in speech over a three-year period. Enrolled children in either study will receive a $100 gift card for the first study visit, an $80 gift card for subsequent visits, and a $50 bonus gift card for completing all four visits. To learn more about this study, please email Stop_Study@unc.edu.

TMD Headache Study

Headache attributed to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMDH) is a secondary headache caused by a disorder involving the structures in the temporomandibular region. It is a common type of TMD. The association between TMDH and primary headaches is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of primary headaches (e.g. migraines, tension type headaches) in patients suffering from chronic TMD with and without TMDH. This study will recruit patients with chronic TMD with and without TMDH from the Orofacial Pain Clinic. Participants will complete several questionnaires related to headaches. For more information on this study, please call 919-445-4143.