Understanding how dental plaque affects oral health
Official title: Multispecies aggregates from human dental plaque nucleate highly diverse spatially structured oral biofilms on saliva coated surfaces
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10929954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different types of bacteria in dental plaque and how their arrangement affects your oral health, with the hope of finding out how changes in these bacteria can lead to issues like gum disease and cavities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,019 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DE032913-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 30 and older, particularly those with or at risk for periodontal disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dental plaque or those who have no history of dental issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex communities of bacteria found in dental plaque and how their spatial arrangement influences oral health. By collecting plaque samples from healthy individuals, the study aims to create in vitro models that mimic the natural biofilm environment in the mouth. Advanced imaging techniques will be used to analyze these biofilms, focusing on how changes in their structure may lead to dental diseases like periodontitis and tooth decay. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind these shifts to better understand their role in oral health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for common dental diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding microbial communities in biofilms can lead to significant advancements in treating related diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lemus, Alex — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Lemus, Alex
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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.