Bacteriophages as a therapy for dental caries
Official title: Bacteriophages in dental caries: Roles and potential as a therapy
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11292545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing project is exploring whether harmless viruses that attack bacteria can help prevent or treat tooth decay in people of all ages, including children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 4, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $666,565 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034689-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include children under 12 and adults who are at risk for or currently experiencing dental caries, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant bacterial profiles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without active dental caries or those not at risk for bacterial caries may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at using bacteriophages to target the bacteria that cause cavities, with a focus on practical, low-cost ways to prevent and treat caries. It combines clinical questions from pediatric dentistry with basic microbiology to understand how phages could work in the mouth. The team will study phage biology, test their safety, and evaluate how they interact with oral bacteria in real-life settings. The aim is to develop a viable phage-based option that could reduce decay and recurrence without relying on traditional antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, patient-friendly therapy to prevent or reduce dental caries.
How similar studies have gone: Phage therapy has shown promise in other infections, with several trials exploring safety and effectiveness, but oral cavity applications are still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaspar, Justin Ray — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Kaspar, Justin Ray
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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.