A primary focus of the Den Besten laboratory is the role of the environment on tooth enamel mineralization.

Enamel mineralization, which results in the formation of the most highly mineralized structure in the human body,  occurs through a unique process known as pH cycling.  In this process, ameloblasts, the cells that direct enamel formation,  progressively removes the scaffold matrix proteins and replaces them with mineral.  We are interested in the cellular mechanisms responsible for pH cycling and biomineralization of the enamel matrix. 

Fluorosis is a whiter or pitted enamel surface which results from the exposure to excess levels of fluoride during tooth formation.  While the mechanisms by which fluoride affects enamel formation are still not well understood, in the US, studies to understand how enamel fluorosis occurs are important as fluorosis is continuing to increase and has been linked to other systemic conditions.  Understanding how fluoride alters enamel formation is a major focus of the Den Besten lab.

Prenatal stress and early life adversity can result in  hypo mineralized tooth enamel.  This has lead us to   consider that tooth enamel may be a biomarkers for early life stress; to identify children who may be at risk for  psycological and behavioral problems later in life. We are investigating the mechanisms rwhich is also a  risk factor for environmental stress. In support of this possibility, we found that primary teeth, which are formed in utero, have changes in size and mineral density that correlate to cortisol reactivity in kindergarten children.

In  Clinical studies, the Den Besten lab is involved in ongoing projects  to address health outcomes in children include studies of the oral and gut microbiome in healthy  children and children with cancer undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant.