Effects of Typified Propolis on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine in arandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinicaltrial the effects of typified propolis and chlorhexidinerinses on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS)and lactobacilli (LACT). Methods: One hundredpatients were screened for salivary levels of MS>100,000 CFUs/mL of saliva. All patients presentedwith at least one cavitated decayed surface. Sixtypatients met entry criteria. Subjects were adults 18-55 years old. After restoration of cavitated lesionspatients were randomized to 3 experimental groups:1) PROP-alcohol-free 2% typified propolis rinse (n =20); 2) CHX- 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse; 3) PL-placebomouthrinse. Patients rinsed unsupervised 15 mL ofrespective rinses twice a day for 1 min for 28 days.Patients were assessed for the salivary levels of MS(Dentocult SM) and LACT (Dentocult LB) at baseline,7-day, 14-day, and at 28-day visits (experimentaleffects) and at 45-day visit (residual effects). Generallinear models were employed to analyze the data.Results: PROP was superior to CHX at 14-day and28-day visits in suppressing the salivary levels of MS(p<.05). PROP was superior to PL at all visits (p < .01).The residual effects of PROP in suppressing the salivarylevels of MS could still be observed at the 45-day visit,where significant differences between PROP and CHX(p < .05), were demonstrated. PROP was significantlysuperior than CHX in suppressing the levels of salivaryLACT at the 28-day visit (p < .05).Conclusion: Typifiedpropolis rinse was effective in suppressing cariogenicinfections in caries-active patients when compared toexisting and placebo therapies.