Targeting harmful bacteria to prevent tooth decay
Official title: Preventing dental caries through targeted treatment of acid-producing bacteria
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-10897226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to stop cavities by targeting the bad bacteria in your mouth that thrive on sugary foods, so you can enjoy better oral health and fewer trips to the dentist!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $681,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE029479-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for dental caries, such as those with a high sugar diet or a history of frequent cavities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of dental caries or those with specific dental conditions unrelated to bacterial imbalance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing dental caries, a common and costly dental disease, by targeting and treating acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. It aims to restore a healthy balance in the oral microbiome, which is disrupted by the consumption of sugary foods that promote harmful bacteria. The researchers will develop new compounds that selectively inhibit the growth of these cariogenic bacteria while preserving beneficial ones, thereby protecting tooth enamel from acid damage. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments that could reduce the incidence of cavities and improve oral health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the occurrence of dental caries and improve overall oral health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific bacteria to improve oral health, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Jirun — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Sun, Jirun
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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.