A new way to deliver fluoride for stronger teeth
Official title: Feasibility of novel Fluorine Non-thermal plasma for dental caries control
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11247629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores a new plasma technology to deliver fluoride more effectively into tooth enamel to help prevent cavities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,754 |
| NIH project number | 7R21DE031868-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is not yet recruiting patients, but future applications would likely benefit anyone prone to dental cavities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dental caries or those seeking immediate treatment for existing cavities would not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a common problem caused by bacteria and acids that damage tooth enamel. While fluoride is a key defense against cavities, current methods don't always get enough fluoride deep into the tooth or keep it there long enough. This research is developing a new approach using a special type of fluorine plasma to deliver fluoride more deeply and effectively into your teeth. The goal is to make your enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new technology could lead to more effective and longer-lasting cavity prevention treatments for patients.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is considered pioneering, as few advancements in fluoride delivery technologies have been made in recent decades, though initial lab work shows promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Liang — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hong, Liang
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.