Introduction and objective:

The incorporation of propolis in dentifrices aims to more effectively assist the control and prevention of oral pathologies through the elimination of pathogens present in the biofilm. However, little is known about the antimicrobial efficacy of different products on the market for microorganisms for these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial action of three propolis-containing dentifrices on oral pathogens.

Material and methods:

The agar diffusion method was used to analyze three propolis-based dentifrices, including: Noplak Max®, Protta® and Forever Bright®. A non-propolis dentifrice (Malvatrikids®) was employed as a negative control. Positive controls were 0.2% chlorhexidine, further diluted 30% to match the chlorhexidine concentration of one of the evaluated dentifrices and 11% propolis extract (Apis Flora®). For the determination of antimicrobial activity the strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans were used.

Results:

Of the tested dentifrices, Protta® and Forever Bright® showed inhibitory action against S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans microorganisms. Noplak® dentifrice showed low antimicrobial activity, being limited to S. mutans and E. faecalis. When there was an antimicrobial effect, the diameter of the growth inhibition halos ranged from 9mm to 28.83mm.

Conclusion:

The use of a propolis-containing dentifrice for eventual use as a therapeutic adjunct in dentistry is fully justified, considering the pharmacological activities.

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