How processed grains affect oral bacteria and gum disease

The Effect of Processed Grain Consumption on the Dentogingival Microbiome and Host Response in Periodontal Disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10873940

This study looks at how eating processed grains, like those often found in Western diets, might affect the bacteria in your mouth and how your body responds to gum disease, helping us learn more about how what we eat can impact our oral health.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873940 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of consuming processed grains on the bacteria present in the mouth and the body's response to gum disease. It focuses on how refined grains, which are commonly found in a Western diet, may contribute to the development of periodontal disease by altering the microbial community in the mouth. The study employs advanced genetic sequencing techniques to analyze the changes in oral bacteria and their relationship with gum inflammation and disease progression. By understanding these connections, the research aims to uncover potential dietary influences on oral health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume a diet high in processed grains and are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume processed grains or who have no signs of periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help prevent or manage periodontal disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between diet and periodontal disease is recognized, this specific investigation into processed grains and their microbiome effects is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.