EFFECT OF AGING ON THE GENE EXPRESSION AND HISTOMORPHOLOGY OF DENTAL GUM TISSUE

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * provide written informed consent to participate in the study. * be at the ages specified within age groups. * male or female of the Caucasian race * agree not to participate in any other oral/dental product studies during the course of this study. * agree to delay any elective dentistry (including dental prophylaxis) until the study has been completed. * agree to return for all scheduled visits and follow study procedures. * have at least 16 natural teeth (excluding wisdom teeth). * be in good general health, as determined by the Investigator/designee based on a review of the health history/update for participation in the study. * healthy gingival tissue suitable for biopsy in the maxillary premolar area (per examiner discretion). Exclusion Criteria: * use of antibiotics 3 months prior to the study * smoking or smoking cessation \<1 year; * any diseases or conditions to be expected to interfere with the examination or with the subject safely completing the study; * history of drug use that is associated with gum overgrowth (i.e., dilantin, nifedipine, etc) or drugs that are known to inhibit salivary flow (i.e. antipsychotics etc.); * chronic use of medication such as steroids, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin/ASA) more than 2-3 days/week), anti-coagulant medications, immunosuppressant medications or any other medications that in the opinion of the Investigator would interfere with the evaluation or confound interpretation of the study results. Use of low dose of ASA is permitted; * previous gum surgery that might interfere with gum biopsy collection; * presence or history of periodontal disease (at least 2 pockets 6mm); * all teeth that are grossly carious, fully crowned, or extensively restored (per investigator discretion); * any condition requiring the need for antibiotic pre-medication prior to dental procedures; * current participation in any other oral/dental product studies; * pregnancy or lactation; * diabetes, autoimmune or infectious diseases, dry mouth, skin diseases; * orthodontic appliances