Effect of an Active Compound Containing Gum on Dental Plaque Formation on a 4-day Accumulation Model

treatment periods utilizing 32 subjects. (Fig 1, in protocol) Each treatment period will be 4 days (96 hours +/-3 hours) in accordance with the plaque accumulation model using one of the following treatment groups: an active compound MIIP-E2 gum (experimental regimen), an inactive compound gum (negative control regimen), and a no-gum (control regimen). Each subject will be assigned to one of the following three treatment regimen sequences:

1. Control regimen followed by experimental regimen, followed by a negative control regimen, or
2. Experimental regimen followed by negative control regimen, followed by control regimen or
3. Negative control regimen followed by control regimen, followed by an experimental regimen Subjects will be asked to refrain from oral hygiene (OH) procedures and chewing gum 12 hours (+/- 2 hours) and from eating or drinking (except for water) 2 hours prior to the screening visit. During the 4-day study treatment periods, subjects will also be asked to refrain from oral hygiene practices or any elective dental treatment. Subjects can resume their regular oral hygiene procedures during the wash-out periods of approximately 10 days.

At the screening, potential subjects will be given the IRB (Institutional Review Board)-approved informed consent form to read and ask questions. Also, adequate time to decide about their participation will be provided. A study representative trained and delegated by the Principal Investigator will review the IRB-approved consent and answer any questions the potential subject might have before the subject signs/dates the consent. After the subject signs and dates the consent, the study representative will sign and date the consent to confirm that the consent process was completed before initiating any study procedures. The subject will be given a copy of the signed/dated consent.

A designated staff member will collect the medical and concomitant medication information for the study dentist's review. The dentist will perform an oral examination and a PLI to assess the subject's whole-mouth plaque accumulation. A score of 2 or greater will be needed to comply with the study inclusion criteria based on the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein Plaque Index (PLI). Other dental characteristics specified on the inclusion/ exclusion criteria will be assessed to determine study eligibility. Eligible subjects will receive a dental prophylaxis and be scheduled for a baseline appointment.

During the baseline appointment, the subjects' continuance criteria and OST (oral specimen test) examination will be assessed, and an unstimulated saliva sample will be collected. Subjects' teeth will be polished, flossed, and subsequently stained to evaluate total plaque removal and an oral assessment will be performed to confirm the complete removal of plaque. If any plaque is found, the plaque will be removed by either flossing, repolishing the surface, or with an instrument. The dental examiner will assess PLI. Intraoral photos will be taken, including one front and two lateral images (right and left side). 32 subjects will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the treatment regimens. Subjects assigned to experimental and negative treatment regimens will perform the first product use under supervision.