Efficacy of a propolis solution for cleaning complete dentures

Area of Science:

• Oral Microbiology
• Biomaterials Science
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Denture biofilm poses a significant risk for oral health, leading to conditions like denture stomatitis.
• Effective management of denture biofilm is crucial for preventing oral infections in denture wearers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a propolis solution in combating denture biofilm.
• To compare the antimicrobial activity of propolis solution against common oral microorganisms in vitro and in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assessment involved contaminating acrylic resin specimens with various bacteria and fungi (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis) and exposing them to propolis solution, saline, or alkaline peroxide.
• A cross-over randomized clinical trial with 30 complete denture wearers assessed the effect of propolis solution and saline on denture biofilm quantification and microbial analysis (Candida spp., mutans streptococci).

Main Results:

• Propolis solution and alkaline peroxide significantly reduced microbial counts of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in vitro, with alkaline peroxide showing a greater effect.
• Clinically, no significant difference was observed between the propolis solution and saline interventions.
• The propolis solution exhibited an intermediate antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans but did not demonstrate an immediate impact on denture biofilm.

Conclusions:

• A commercially available propolis-based cleanser showed antimicrobial properties against key oral pathogens.
• While not providing an immediate effect on denture biofilm, propolis solution warrants further investigation for its potential in managing denture stomatitis.