Purnima Kumar

Purnima Kumar studies the oral microbiome, the communities of bacteria and other microbes living in the mouth, and how they relate to dental implant health, gum disease (periodontal and peri-implant disease), and broader health conditions like diabetes and pregnancy complications. Much of the research uses genetic sequencing and lab-grown biofilm models to track how microbial communities change over time, respond to treatments or products like probiotics and vaping devices, and contribute to disease. This work spans basic microbiology, clinical dentistry, and public health guidance, including contributions to major consensus reports that shape clinical practice.

Publication output has fluctuated over the last decade with peaks around 2018-2021 and a dip in 2022, but has remained fairly steady in recent years at roughly 9 papers per year on average.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 from public bibliographic data · Jul 20, 2026