A unique study from researchers at Mass General Hospital. They are seeking baby teeth from children whose moms were pregnant before or during the attacks on the Boston Marathon in 2013 and the manhunt that followed.
The goal of the S.T.R.O.N.G. study is to “better understand the effects of early life experiences on tooth development.” STRONG stands for Stories Teeth Record of Growth.
Researchers are seeking women who gave birth between April 1, 2012 to November 4, 2013 and were 18 years old at the time, or are the current caregiver of a child born during that date range.
They want to learn how children’s primary or “baby” teeth might record information about their early life experiences.
“Our team’s primary goal is to find ways to help all children grow up to be healthy and strong. One of the biggest threats to healthy child development is exposure to adversity – such as growing up in poverty, losing a loved one, witnessing a traumatic event, experiencing a natural disaster, or some other type of stressful event. Unfortunately, these adversities are common, affecting up to 60% of children worldwide.” according to researchers.
The lead researcher is Dr. Erin Dunn at MGH in collaboration with the Forsyth Institute in Cambridge.
The study includes a 30 minute phone survey, one emailed survey and the collection of lost primary or “baby teeth” from the child.
Dr. Dunn is also the basis for a character in the children’s book “The Science Tooth Fairy.” The book was designed to help parents talk with their children about donating their teeth to scientists. Participants in the research will receive a copy of the book which was written by Dr. Dunn, Kenzie Rzonca, Dr, Dunn, and members of The Dunn Lab at MGH and illustrated by Rebecca Mullins.
To learn more about the study, or sign up as a participant, click here.
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