The Effects of a Dentifrice Containing Propolis on Mutans Streptococci: A Clinico-Microbiological Study

BACKGROUND Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by honeybees, which exhibits anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, cytostatic and cariostatic properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-bacterial efficacy of a propolis based dentifrice on Mutans Streptococci colonizing the oral cavity of young patients using Dentocult® SM strip mutans test. METHODS Screening of 367 male subjects within the age group of 7-12 years was carried out. A total of 30 children were included in the study. They were instructed to use a Propolis dentifrice (Probee,™ Quasi-Medical Products, Seoul Propolis) daily for three minutes over a period of four weeks. Plaque and salivary samples were collected at baseline, 1(st) week, 3(rd) week and 4(th) week and were analyzed for Mutans Streptococci count using Dentocult® SM strip Mutans kit (Orion Diagnostica Oy, Finland). Student paired t-test and Friedman test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS It was unveiled that mean Mutans streptococci count at 1(st) week and 4(th) week, showed significant reduction (p≤0.0001), compared to baseline scores. Using Friedman's test, statistically significant difference was found between baseline and 1(st) week, 3(rd) week and 4(th) week follow up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Propolis dentifrice reduces in-vivo microbial load in microenvironments especially against Mutans streptococci in the oral cavity of young patients. Thus, it's potential to be inculcated and used as an alternative measure to prevent dental caries can be considered and further investigation involving greater number of participants is recommended.