Randomized Trial of Typified Propolis and Chlorhexidine on Cariogenic Bacteria

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial the experimental and residual effects of tipified propolis and chlorhexidine rinses on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LACT). Methods: Participants were recruited from the Dental Clinics at UNIBAN BRASIL, São Paulo, Brazil. One hundred patients were initially screened for salivary levels of MS >100,000 CFUs/ml of saliva. All patients must have presented with at least one cavitated decayed surface (D2). Sixty patients met entry criteria. Subjects were adults 18-55 years old in good general health. After restoration of all cavitated lesions patients were randomized to 3 experimental groups: 1) PROP-alcohol-free typified propolis rinse (n=20); 2) CHX-Colgate Periogard 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse; 3) PL-placebo mouthrinse. Patients rinsed unsupervised 15 ml of respective rinses twice a day for 1 minute 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 (experimental effects) and at 45-day visit (residual effects). General linear models were employed to analyze the data. Results: PROP was superior to CHX at 14-day and 28-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 salivary levels of MS could still be observed at the 45-day visit, where significant differences between PROP and CHX (p<.05), were demonstrated. PROP was significantly different than CHX in suppressing the levels of salivary LACT at the 28-day visit (p<.05). Conclusion: Tipified propolis rinses may be of value in suppressing cariogenic infections in caries-active patients when compared to existing and placebo therapies.