Evaluation f Brazilian Red Propolis Containing-Varnish Against Streptococcus Mutans

Objectives: The objective of this study was to longitudinally evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of 2.5% Brazilian red propolis dental varnish against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) in pediatric patients.
Methods: Twenty-five high-risk caries-free children, according of AAPD (The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) criteria, aged 36–71months, were recruited and received treatment with varnishes containing propolis. The varnish was applied to the occlusal surfaces of second deciduous molars on the first day of the treatment (D1), 90 days after (D90), 180 days after (D180) and 360 days after day 1 (D360). At D1 saliva was collected before varnish application, and at D90, D180 and D360 saliva was collected following varnish application. Microbiological analysis was performed in duplicates, establishing dilutions of 1:10 and 1:100 mL. Comparisons between different times were carried out by repeated measures analysis of variance associated with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test.
Results: Propolis dental varnish demonstrated a significant S. mutans reduction at two times. D90 versus D1 (p=0,0403), D180 versus D1 (p=0,0042). At D360 (p=0,2869) no significant S. mutans reduction was observed.
Conclusions: Three applications of the red propolis dental varnish showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans for up to 6 months in high-risk caries-free children. Further studies to identify the anticaries effect of this varnish are required to establish its use in caries prevention.