Effect of Propolis in Oral Health

Abstract

Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honey bees. It is used by bees as glue, a general-purpose sealer and as draught-extruder for bee hives. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. Flavonoids are well known plant compounds that have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. Propolis has been used in dentistry for various purposes and has a promising role in future medicine as well as in dentistry. Its natural resinous substance shows dental application based on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. Propolis is used in dentistry as active ingredient as mouth rinse for plaque control, treatment of various oral lesions, intracanal medicaments, storage media for avulsed teeth, wound healing. This paper gives an overview of propolis, its ingredients, properties and various therapeutic and dental applications.