Influence of Propolis Extract on Bleaching Effectiveness and Enamel Physical Properties

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Biomaterials research
• Oral health

Background:

• Tooth bleaching with high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) can alter dental enamel properties.
• Investigating protective agents is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects of bleaching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of propolis extract on dental enamel following 35% HP bleaching.
• To assess the impact of propolis on color change, surface roughness, and microhardness of bovine enamel.

Main Methods:

• Sixty bovine enamel specimens were divided into six groups, including controls and various combinations of HP bleaching, desensitizers, fluoride, and propolis extract.
• Evaluated color change (ΔE*, ΔE₀₀, ΔWID), surface roughness (Ra), and microhardness (KHN) at baseline and 24 hours post-bleaching.

Main Results:

• All HP-treated groups exhibited significant color change compared to the control.
• While bleaching increased surface roughness, propolis and desensitizer treatments reduced this effect.
• The combination of HP, desensitizer, and propolis maintained enamel microhardness comparable to the control.

Conclusions:

• Propolis extract does not compromise the whitening efficacy of 35% HP.
• Propolis extract shows a protective effect on dental enamel, preventing significant negative impacts on surface roughness and microhardness.