The Oral Microbiology Group at Newcastle focusses on understanding dental plaque and the diseases it causes. The major two diseases, dental caries (tooth decay) and gum disease (periodontitis) rank among the most prevalent diseases of humans worldwide. We aim to build a better understanding of how microbes interact with one another to form dental plaque. In doing so, we will have a better basis for the rational design of new treatments to slow down the process of plaque formation and to improve oral health.

As a group, we are also interested in other diseases, particularly infections caused by microbial biofilms, which are aggregations of microbes present at interfaces and surrounded in a matrix of polymeric material. Biofilms are the cause of many infectious diseases including middle ear infections, urinary tract infections, some forms of rhinosinusitis and many others. They are a particular problem on indwelling materials placed in the human body, from orthodontic appliances to speech valves and catheters.

Scanning electron micrograph of dental plaque (a biofilm on the surface of teeth). The wavy cell is a spirochaete, most likely a species called Treponema denticola.

For more information, please see Nick Jakubovics’ staff homepage at the School of Dental Sciences.