Molar Hypomineralisation and Chalky Teeth: From Developmental Physiology to Social Good

Popularly termed "chalky teeth", molar hypomineralisation (MH) is an under-recognised medico-dental problem that puts one-in-five children worldwide at elevated risk for tooth decay, dental pain and appearance-related psychosocial harm. These liabilities reduce quality of life for affected individuals and also impose large costs on society, both socially and economically. If the global health burden of MH is to be alleviated, we need to take a lifecourse approach to better understand (1) the underlying disruptions during tooth development inside the jaw (i.e. developmental pathophysiology) with a view to medical prevention, and (2) the clinical and public health issues, focussing on chalky 2-year, 6-year and 12-year molars – the teeth at highest risk of accelerated decay. Progress towards such goals has thus far been obstructed by poor awareness of MH – at scientific, healthcare professional, political and public levels and consequent lack of research momentum. Since 2010, 'The D3 Group for developmental dental defects' (D3G; https://www.thed3group.org) has taken a translational approach to:

1. Develop a stronger definition for MH that emphasises scientific hallmarks and eliminates widespread confusion around incisors. This definition has recently been adopted by USA's National Library of Medicine;
2. Introduce an underpinning classification for MH and other demarcated opacity disorders (“DODs");
3. Adopt a lifecourse approach recognising that MH involves both primary and permanent teeth;
4. Craft translational terminology to enable clear communication between all stakeholders.

In 2020, and in collaboration with The University of Toronto and SickKids Hospital, D3G launched a series of international events (webinars, taskforce meetings, live symposium) recognising 100 years of chalky teeth research. A D3G research team also published breakthrough findings about MH pathophysiology.

To chronicle these ground-breaking advances in D3-science translation, this far-reaching article collection provides a cutting-edge platform for sharing the collective perspectives, ideas, and research concepts from these events (now called the 'Toronto D3 Framework') across basic, applied and end-translational domains. We invite participant teams to draw academic attention to the 'MH-Chalky Teeth Problem' by illustrating its worldwide burdens and the need for a holistic response from all stakeholders – researchers, dental and other healthcare providers, educators, industry, government, and the at-risk public.

Subtopics of interest include but are not limited to:
• Perspectives on the MH-Chalky Teeth problem from various stakeholder groups and geographic regions
• Research in underpinning basic science as well aetiological, clinical and public health arenas
• Historical reappraisals aiming to build a stronger clinico-scientific foundation for future research
• Initiatives aimed at strengthening scientific underpinnings including terminology, definitions and classification

Authors are encouraged to exploit the diverse range of publication types available through the four participating Frontiers journals and are encouraged to adopt D3G's standardized translational terminology (MH, chalky 2-year molars etc), as implemented at the Toronto D3 events and now increasingly across the sector [https://www.thed3group.org/molar-hypomin-terminology.html]. A more detailed guideline for writers and reviewers is available (see Frontiers Writers guidelines: https://www.thed3group.org/writer-reviewer-guide.html).

To ensure suitability for inclusion in this unique article collection, the Guest Editors would like to encourage all interested individuals to submit a summary of their manuscript before preparing a full manuscript.

Guest Editor Prof. Mike Hubbard is Founder/Director of The D3 Group, an international network/charity he runs based at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Keywords: Global health, translational research & education, healthcare policy & social good, paediatric disorders, dental defects, dental decay, medical prevention, preventive dentistry, developmental physiology & biomarkers, biomineralisation, dental imaging & materials, epidemiology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.