Abstract: Methods of determining one or more ratios of chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid of an individual selected from the group consisting of: MIF:MIP1a, MIF:CXCL1; MIF:CXCL5; M1F:CXCL8; MIF:CXCL2; and MIF:CXCL6 and methods of identifying an individual as having gingivitis comprising determining one or more ratios of the chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid are disclosed. Methods of treating individuals who are identified as having gingivitis by determining one or more ratios of the chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring the treatment individuals who have gingivitis.

Abstract: Methods of determining one or more ratios of chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid of an individual selected from the group consisting of: MIF:MIP1a, M1F:CXCL1; MIF:CXCL5; MIF:CXCL8; M1F:CXCL2; and MIF:CXCL6 and methods of identifying an individual as having gingivitis comprising determining one or more ratios of the chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid are disclosed. Methods of treating individuals who are identified as having gingivitis by determining one or more ratios of the chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring the treatment individuals who have gingivitis.

Abstract: An oral biology model which comprises biofilm, oral epithelial tissue and a suspension of neutrophil-like cells in media is disclosed. The biofilm, which comprises oral bacteria, is produced by culturing oral bacteria on a solid substrate. The oral epithelial tissue may be gingival epithelial tissue to model the gingival crevice or buccal epithelial tissue to model the oral check. The suspension of neutrophil-like cells in media comprises neutrophil-like cells that are differentiated HL60 cells induced to a neutrophil-like phenotype by treatment with retinoic acid. Methods of using the oral biology model to test and compare compounds and formulations or to screen compounds and formulations for their effect on release of inflammatory signals, their effect on biofilm and oral bacteria and/or their effect on the cellular components are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of shifting biofilm composition in an individuals oral cavity are disclosed. The methods comprise applying to the individuals oral cavity an oral care composition in an amount effective to shift biofilm composition to increase the amount from healthy bacteria in biofilm relative to pathogenic bacteria in biofilm. The oral care composition comprising: zinc oxide, zinc citrate, and arginine. The shift in biofilm composition provides a balance having a greater amount of healthy bacteria in biofilm compared to pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Methods of increasing proteins that reduce signals associated with neutrophil recruitment and reducing proteins that induce neutrophil recruitment within an individuals gingival crevice are disclosed. The methods comprise applying to the individual's oral cavity in an amount effective to increase proteins that reduce signals associated with neutrophil recruitment and reduce proteins that induce neutrophil recruitment within an individuals gingival crevice, an oral care composition comprising: zinc oxide, zinc citrate, stannous fluoride, and optionally arginine and/or zingerone.

Abstract: Methods of increasing proteins that reduce signals associated with neutrophil recruitment and reducing proteins that induce neutrophil recruitment within an individuals gingival crevice are disclosed. The methods comprise applying to the individuals oral cavity in an amount effective to increase proteins that reduce signals associated with neutrophil recruitment and reduce proteins that induce neutrophil recruitment within an individuals gingival crevice, an oral care composition comprising: zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride and optionally, an organic acid buffer system.