Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis-Containing Varnish in Children: A Randomized and Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Dental caries is a sugar-dependent condition common in childhood, which causes microbiological imbalance in dental biofilm. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a 2.5% Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) dental varnish to prevent caries in children. Seventy-five children with high caries risk, aged between 36 and 71 months and with no caries, were assigned to three groups to receive varnish treatment containing 2.5% BRP, 1% chlorhexidine, or 5% fluoride. The varnish was applied to the occlusal surfaces of the deciduous second molars on the first day of treatment (D1), after 90 days (D90), and 180 days of the start of treatment (D180). Saliva was collected to assess S. mutans before each varnish application and 180 days at the end of treatment (D360). Values were expressed in log10 (CFU/mL). Statistics were performed by applying repeated measures of variance analysis, Tukey's multiple comparisons test, and paired t-test. In the first dilution (1 : 10), there was microbial load reduction at the following periods: BRP in D0-D90 ( p < 0.05 ) and D0-D180 ( p < 0.01 ); fluoride in D0-D90 ( p < 0.001 ); and chlorhexidine in D0-D180 ( p < 0.05 ). In the second dilution (1 : 100), there was microbial load reduction in the groups at the following periods: BRP in D0-D90 ( p < 0.05 ) and D0-D180 ( p < 0.01 ); fluoride in D0-D180 ( p < 0.05 ), and chlorhexidine in D0-180 ( p < 0.01 ) and D0-360 ( p < 0.05 ). The 2.5% BRP dental varnish was effective in decreasing S. mutans colonies in saliva when used within 90 days.

Biocompatible and Biomaterials Application in Drug Delivery System in Oral Cavity

“…Meanwhile, some patients have the risk of allergic cross-reactions to chitosan or other dental varnishes because of seafood allergy or other allergic conditions to chitosan or other antimicrobial vehicles. Therefore alternative selection for transport drugs is carboxymethylcellulose, which can prohibit activation of Streptococcus mutans , simultaneously transport drugs to aimed receptors and present antimicrobial activity [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of Iranian Sea Salts: An In Vitro Study

“…Poor oral hygiene and high consumption of fermentable carbohydrates cause an imbalance in the biofilm. These situations cause demineralization [ 3 ]. An important factor to initiate carious is the presence of bacteria, mostly Streptococcus mutans , though it is not sufficient for caries development.…”

“…The metabolism of these species of bacteria produces acids, which decrease pH and result in demineralization of the tooth tissue [ 6 ]. Streptococcus mutans 's capability to make extracellular polysaccharides (mainly glucans) is an essential factor for tooth caries [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. The production of acids, especially lactic acid, is a very significant virulence factor of S. mutans which leads to caries and an acidic environment [ 5 , 7 ].…”

“…The acidic environment determined by the bacterial plaque decalcifies the enamel and/or dentine [ 6 , 7 ]. Lactobacilli should be considered as “secondary invaders.” They are not capable of producing caries [ 3 , 5 – 7 ]. Bacteria produce glucans from nutritional carbohydrates by glucosyltransferases (GTFs).…”