Microbiome Effects of Extended Use of MI Paste in Elderly Removable Denture Wearers

Potentially-eligible subjects will be invited to the research study that involves consenting and 4 in-person visits (Screening Visit, Visit 1, Visit 2, Visit 3) where the following will be performed at each visit: (i) upper denture/mouth tissues swab sample collected, (ii) survey questions being administered, and (iii) brief oral dental exam (clinical assessment). Furthermore, at Visit 2, subjects will be provided and instructed on how to use MI Paste under their removable upper denture for 14 days and instructed to monitor symptoms of comfort, retention, and dry mouth (if applicable).

Inclusion criteria

• Greater than or equal to 65 years of age,
• Capacity to independently provide consent,
• Having an adequately fitting removable complete maxillary (upper jaw) denture (no consideration relative to the presence or type of mandibular prosthesis (lower jaw partial or full denture).

Exclusion criteria

• ill-fitting complete denture(s),
• presence of pathology indicated for immediate treatment (epulis fissuratum (excess folds of firm tissue form inside the mouth, as a result of rubbing on the edge of dentures that do not fit well), large denture sores),
• currently or previously taking any form of antibiotics or antifungals (oral, intravenous, mouthwashes) over the previous two months that may impact microbial assessments.
• a history of food-based allergies: casein, lactose, or food/cosmetic ingredient preservatives. These exclusions have been made out of an abundance of caution to avoid any potential adverse reaction to MI Paste which contains casein phosphopeptide--amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and several common preservative ingredients in oral care products that may induce sensitivities/allergic reaction in a small portion of the population.
• milk allergy