Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Clinical Plaque Samples

Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Clinical Plaque Samples

The objective of this study is to determine the metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of clinical samples.

This study is a blinded, non-randomized, crossover design. Subjects who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Following enrollment, subjects will be asked to use a washout dentifrice (#200000035883/001/000) for a minimum of 1 week. Fasting plaque will be collected at Baseline and then again at a duplicate baseline collection up to 1 week after the baseline collection. Subjects will be assigned a new dentifrice (#200000035883/001/000) to use for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks' use, fasting plaque will be collected. There will be a duplicate plaque collection up to 1 week after 12 week collection. Subjects will be given a new dentifrice (#200000040228/001/000) to use for the next 24 weeks. After 24 weeks' use, fasting plaque will be collected, and there will be a duplicate plaque collection up to 1 week after this collection.

Inclusion Criteria

• Male and/or female subjects 16 years and above
• Minimum of 20 natural uncrowned teeth (excluding third molars) must be present
• Caries active subjects will have at least 3 active caries lesions (ICDAS score 1 - 3). Caries free control subjects will either have ICDAS score 0 or ICDAS score of 1 - 3 where the lesion is inactive.
• Available throughout entire study
• Willing to use only assigned products for oral hygiene throughout the duration of the study
• Must give written informed consent
• Must be in good general health

Exclusion Criteria

• Unwilling or unable to sign an Informed Consent Form
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Medical condition which requires premedication prior to dental visits/procedures
• Diseases of the soft or hard oral tissues
• Orthodontic appliances that interfere with clinical assessments
• Impaired salivary function
• Current use of drugs that can affect salivary flow
• Use antibiotics 3 months prior to or during this study
• Use of any arginine containing oral care products such as Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief and Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection plus Sugar Acid Neutralizer dentifrices 3 months prior to or during this study
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Participate in another clinical study 1 week prior to the start of the washout period or during the study period
• Use of tobacco products
• Allergic to common dentifrice ingredients
• Allergic to amino acids
• Immune compromised individuals (HIV, AIDS, immuno-suppressive drug therapy)