Oral Microbiology
Inhibition of microorganisms by a probiotic strain incorporated into the agar
Select an ImageDisclosed plaque | Inhibition of microorganisms | Plaque coverage
Current projects are particularly concerned with denture plaque and the oral health of the elderly.
- Assessment of denture plaque. It is important to be able to see and measure the amount of plaque on dentures. This is useful to demonstrate good denture hygiene, and also to look at the effect of hygiene products on denture plaque. We are currently developing novel rapid image analysis techniques for this purpose.
- Denture- associated infections. The microbiology of denture plaque is not as well investigated as that for plaque on natural teeth. Yeast infections are often associated with denture wearing, and occasionally bacteria associated with non-oral infections can also be found on dentures. We are looking at ways of quickly detecting yeast on dentures, and reducing their presence.
- Probiotics in the oral cavity. Probiotics and prebiotics receive a lot of attention regarding their beneficial effects in the gut. We are investigating what happens in the mouth.
Past projects have investigated the effect of prebiotics and antimicrobial compounds on bad breath, of chewing gum on tooth decay, and the microbial contamination of toothbrushes.
Please Note: The Microbiology and Materials site contains more detailed information about some of these projects.