Discovering Disaster Dentistry (Part 3 of 3)

Pages: 1 2 3 Post 3/11

Nicole Gunawansa | August 17th, 2015
This interview was held on June 4th, 2015 in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Building

Part 3- Promoting Oral Health to Improve Disaster Medicine

Question 7: What are the functions and goals of this oral health oriented department? Will a meta-genome analysis be conducted from samples of these dentistry cohort studies?

Dr. Tsuboi: ToMMo may be the first large-scale cohort organization to include dentistry, clarifying the relationship between oral health and systemic health by means of genetic investigation. Our department is specifically identifies oral bacteria using meta-genetic techniques. Bacteria, unlike humans, have various genomes. We hope to elucidate the cause/origin of certain bacteria strains by taking samples (dental plaque, tongue-coating, and saliva) from participants. We have collected samples from about 15,000 participants (including some children), recruited through the Community Support Center of ToMMo and by our fellow dentists. As of now, the results are still being processed and will have to be evaluated by our department staff. In the future, once this analysis process is completed, we would like to return the data back to the sample contributors.
nicole_201507_07Periodontal disease and dental caries (tooth decay) are on the rise in developed nations due to higher sugar intake. Until now, many have attempted to investigate potential therapy to prevent these diseases, but no sound results have surfaced. We anticipate that our research can help mitigate the prevalence of these conditions. Additionally, the elderly have been shown to have the most oral health problems (starting to develop from around age 60). In fact, a majority of Japanese people by age 72 have lost most of their teeth. We need to help support this population, determine why and how dental health decreases with age, and provide improved preventative oral healthcare based on our research results.

Question 8:  What additional projects would you like to see Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization take on in the future?

Dr. Tsuboi: Now all of the work being done by our department is bacterial based research using the meta-genomic method so that we can analyze several bacteria genomes at one time. My current research is fascinating and very informative, but I would like to delve deeper into the human and bacteria genome relationship to help identify human genes that predispose people to dental disorders. I wish that ToMMo will allow us make this research transition in the future to expand our knowledge of oral disease development in the Japanese population.

Question 9:  In what ways do you think you, or your work has changed from the time of the disaster? Additionally, how far do you think Japan has come since 3/11?

Dr. Tsuboi: I feel that I have experienced some change. During the disaster I participated and organized the dental clinics and connected with many people, forming an elaborative social and academic network. It was in the aftermath of the disaster that I was approached by survivors and new colleagues to focus on preventing dental disease rather than just treating it. This thought has remained with me to this day, and it is a motivating factor behind my research at ToMMo.
The Japanese affected by the disaster have gained a new, appreciative outlook on life after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Moreover, they have increased and improved disaster prevention organization. People are more prepared for disasters than they have ever been before (e.g. having storage of disaster related supplies in offices and homes). Prior to 3/11 people aimed for effectiveness, not necessarily preparedness. I am happy to see that that conceptual transition has been made, and that the Japanese will be better equipped to handle the next disaster that may come our way.

Comments from the Interviewer
It was a pleasure interviewing Dr. Tsuboi and discovering disaster dentistry. Prior to our interview session, I had not even considered the importance of this unique, albeit often forgotten, field of disaster medicine. Dr. Tsuboi’s elucidative explanation of the workings of disaster dentistry helped me comprehend just how harmful neglecting oral hygiene is, especially in a disaster situation. I have heard lectures from professors and even my dentist at home about the significance and health benefits of proper oral healthcare, but this interview really put this information in perspective. The work that Dr. Tsuboi, ToMMo, and the division of community oral health science are doing to facilitate a better understanding of oral and systemic health interaction and to promote more effective preventive oral healthcare is notable. It is refreshing that this department is taking a new approach to disaster preparedness, prevention, and medicine; I anticipate that the results of Dr. Tsuboi’s research will have big implication for the future of disaster relief and the field of dentistry.