Salivary Human β-Defensin 1-3 and Human α-Defensin-1 Levels in Relation to the Extent of Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss in the Elderly

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

TITLE: Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

ABSTRACT:

Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

RESULTS

Foot notes to be added to all tables

DISCUSSION

Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

CONCLUSION

Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Overall the manuscript requires minor revisions.

 

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 1:

Authors thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

1) TITLE: 

- Kindly check and reframe the title as it is incomplete

Authors’ response: Title is rephrased.

2) ABSTRACT:

- Kindly reframe the highlighted sentence with appropriate conjunctions

Authors’ response: Sentence is deleted from Abstract.

3) MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Reframe the highlighted sentence – Seems to be inappropriate.

Authors’ response: Sentence is removed.

- Saliva collection – Brief in detail.

Authors’ response: Saliva collection and storage are described in detail (lines 102-104)

- Sample size determination and power of the study – to be mentioned.

Authors’ response: The present study included all Health 2000 study participants, who were ≥65-year-old at the time of the survey and who gave their saliva samples. Therefore, no sample size determination was performed. This information is included in Discussion (lines 221-223)

4) RESULTS

- Foot notes to be added to all tables

Authors’ response: Footnotes are added in the tables.

5) DISCUSSION

- Discussion must include findings of demographic variables as they were included for analysis.

Authors’ response: These are included in Discussion (lines 223-231)

- Add notes on future trends. (which to be added at discussion after limitation)

Authors’ response: Notes on future trends are included as suggested (lines 239-241)

- It is well established fact that with progression in aging, periodontal disease also progresses. What are the authors trying to prove? Kindly elucidate.

Authors’ response: The hypothesis and aim sentences are rewritten to clarify the aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

aim (lines 66-70)

CONCLUSION

- Add note on defensins in periodontal disease – as disease indicator, marker for periodontal disease detection.

Authors’ response: A sentence is added as suggested (lines 248-250)

Reviewer 2 Report

This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

 

(line 85)

If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows:

 

...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

 

 

(line 98)

Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

 

 

(line 99)

Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

 

Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

 

 

(line 116)

When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

 

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

 

 

(Table1)

To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

 

 

(Figure 2 and 4)

Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Author Response

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested

Reviewer 2:

- This study is about the relationship between human defensins in saliva and periodontal disease and tooth loss in elders. The topic is clinically important and interesting for the readers of the JCM. After some minor revisions, I will strongly recommend publishing this manuscript for JCM. My comments are as below.

Authors’ response: We thank the reviewer for the constructive comments

- (line 85) If possible, please add the authorization number provided from the ethical committee as follows: ...and Uusimaa, Finland (authorization no. XXXX).

Authors’ response: Trial protocol number is added (lines 82-83)

- (line 98) Please provide information about gender and mean age of participants like "(100 female, 75 male; mean age 73.5 years; age range 65-92 years)".

Authors’ response: Information is included as suggested (lines 96-97)

- (line 99) Please define "pocket teeth" like "...of pocket teeth that revealed a pocket probing depth (PPD) equal to or more than 4mm as follows".

Authors’ response: Sentence is corrected as suggested (line 98)

- Note: "PD" is abbreviation of "pocket probing depth". I recommend to use "PPD" as the abbreviation throughout the manuscript.

Authors’ response: Abbreviations are corrected as suggested

- (line 116) When using non-parametric test for multiple comparisons, you should perform Bonferroni correction of p-values. Please confirm that and add the description about Bonferroni correction at statistics section as follows:

... post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used...

Authors’ response: Statistical analyses were repeated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (for multiple comparisons) and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc method were used when comparing not normally distributed parameters (biochemical markers of saliva). Significance values have been adjusted by the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (lines 116-119)

- (Table1) To make Table 1 easier to be understood, I recommend inserting a column between the most left column (Age, Male%,...) and the column of "Control", and then moving the classification of education level (Basic, Upper secondary, Higher)  into the inserted column. Additionally, please add "%" at "Level of education" like "Level of education %".

Authors’ response: Table 1 is corrected as suggested

- (Figure 2 and 4) Please add "No significant difference was found among the groups." into the figure legends.

Authors’ response: Figure legends are corrected as suggested