Atlas of Experimental Gingivitis in Humans

Purpose is to conduct the first study of human gingiva in health and after biofilm-induced inflammation in the gingiva using scRNAseq. The pilot will involve induction of experimental gingivitis in all participants. Participants include recruitment of 6 participants. Following consenting, screening, and enrollment, a customized acrylic stent will be used only on the selected sextant/teeth specified in the protocol, and only during tooth brushing to prevent oral hygiene in selected sextant/teeth. After the completion of the 3-week gingivitis induction phase, participants will enter a 2 week resolution phase. In the resolution phase, participants will reinstate full mouth oral hygiene, with the exception of flossing. Oral prophylaxis will be performed to regain health. During the 3 week gingivitis induction phase, participants will be required to return to the clinic every 7 days for safety checks. Study Procedures (methods): Medical history, demographics (height/weight), urine based pregnancy test, vital signs (to include blood pressures, and pulse), standard dental clinical measures (to include plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level), alginate impressions taken for fabrication of an acrylic stent (mouth guard), 2 gingival biopsies, 4 subgingival (below the gum line) plaque samples, 4 Gingival Crevicular Fluid (naturally occurring fluid between the gum and teeth) samples, and adult prophylaxis