Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it
This brochure shows how to brush and floss. Available only on the web.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Fact sheet for patients on Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Finding Dental Care
Does NIDCR provide dental care?
No, NIDCR does not provide dental care or financial assistance for care. We are a research institution. Learn more about NIDCR.
Where can I find low-cost dental care?
Dental Schools & Dental Hygiene Schools
Dental schools often have clinics that allow dental students to gain experience treating patients while providing care at a reduced cost. Experienced, licensed dentists closely supervise the students.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Versión en español
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Read More
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Read More
TMJ Disorders
In-depth brochure covering causes, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ disorders.
Working at NIH
Select from the links below for information about NIH and federal government opportunities:
Getting Started in Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research
Summer Internships
NIDCR Intramural Laboratories in Bethesda, MD accept high school, college, post-baccalaureate, medical and dental students for NIH summer internship programs and other opportunities. For more information, contact Dr. Belinda Hauser.
NIDCR awards support a summer undergraduate research program:
Oral Cancer
Versión en español
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. Oral cancers develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Oral cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, or about 53,000 new cases each year. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).Read More
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. Oral cancers develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Oral cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, or about 53,000 new cases each year. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).Read More
Sjögren's Disease
Versión en español
Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that reduces the amount of tears in the eyes and saliva in the mouth. As a result, people with Sjögren's syndrome have dry mouth and dry eyes. Dry mouth affects taste, makes chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increases the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.
In addition, Sjögren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may affect other parts of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain.
Sjögren's syndrome affects 1-4 million people in the United States and occurs in all races and ethnicities. Most people are more than 50 years old when they are first diagnosed. Women are nine times more likely to have Sjögren's syndrome than men.
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