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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.

TMJ Disorders

In-depth brochure covering causes, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ disorders.

Overview & Mission

Established in 1948 by the signing of the National Dental Research Act, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is the federal government's lead agency for scientific research on dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease. NIDCR is one of the 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

NIDCR Funding to U.S. Dental Schools, Fiscal Year 2016

If you would like to learn more about the type of research that was funded to these institutions and schools, please see NIH RePorter.

NIDCR Grants to U.S. Dental Schools, Fiscal Year 2015

If you would like to learn more about the type of research that was funded to these institutions and schools, please see NIH RePorter.

NIDCR Grants to U.S. Academic Institutions, FY 2015

If you would like to learn more about the type of research that was funded to these institutions and schools, please see NIH RePorter.

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.

How to Find a Mentor

Tools to find mentors
The NIH RePORTER Database is a great way to find potential mentors and collaborators in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Search tools, including Matchmaker can identify NIH-funded projects of interest. RePORTER also provides access to reports, data, and analyses of NIH/NIDCR research activities.