Dose-response Evaluation of Propolis Dental Varnish in Children: A Randomized Control Study

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries is a sugar-dependent disease with multifactorial modulating factors affecting deciduous dentition. It is defined as the presence of at least one decayed tooth, absence of a tooth due to caries or the existence of a temporary restoration in a tooth in a child between zero and 71 months of age. No BRP varnish was found in intellectual property banks, therefore it was registered and deposited with patent number BR1020160190142. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dose-response concentration of alcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRP), in the form of dental varnish, against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in children. Methods: Twenty-four children, aged between 36 and 71 months, of both genders and without caries, were selected to participate in this pilot study and grouped randomly into four groups to receive different concentrations of BRP varnish (1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%). The varnish was applied to the surface of all second deciduous molars. The antimicrobial activity was observed in saliva, which was collected in two phases: before applying the BRP varnish and after use. Results: There was microbiological reduction of S. mutans in the oral cavity of the children in all the tested concentrations. The highest percentage reduction of S. mutans was observed at the concentration of 2.5% (P = 0.0443). Conclusion: The BRP extract in the form of dental varnish has antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and constitutes a possible alternative in the prevention of dental caries.

Xylitol, a Promising Allied for Oral Heath

“…The components of a diet rich in sugars can favor a thick biofilm formation and this when not removed, is capable of performing dental demineralization, due to the low pH that makes it difficult to demineralize at the biofilm tooth interface. 2,24 Thus, the oral health of children bottle-feeded with sweetened formulas during the night suffers the side effects of such practice, characterizing a situation highly conducive to the development of cariogenic lesions. The greater consumption of certain foods containing sugars throughout life allied to the habit of not periodically attending the dentist, the higher the prevalence of dental caries in adolescence.…”

“…Professional plaque and tartar removal at regular intervals of time slows down the progression of periodontal disease. 2,20 As the first tooth erupts, the cleaning should be carried out for three minutes, using a soft brush or gauze. The purpose of brushing and flossing is to eliminate and/or disorganize the plaque that forms on teeth surface.…”

“…Thus, the correct hygienization must be carried out, after each meal, preferably in the next thirty minutes, the period of time necessary for the germs to begin to elaborate acid secretions. 2,26,27 Water fluoridation is an excellent selective means of preventing caries and can be considered an effective, low-cost and far-reaching method for the entire population. The initial concentration of soluble ionic or ionizable fluoride in dentifrices must be a minimum of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and a maximum of 1,500 ppm and the fluoride must be reactive in both tooth enamel and dentin.…”

“…[27][28][29] More current concepts characterize dental caries as multifactorial chronic dysbiosis, sugar dependent, which involves variables such as: cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene habits, oral microbiome and socioeconomic factors related to the individual. 2,26,30…”

“…Its prevalence is determined by biological, dietary, behavioral and socio-economic factors, as well as factors of access to consumer goods and health services. [1][2][3] Despite the programs and projects carried out in the oral health promotion area, as the National Oral Health Policy, oral manifestations such as dental caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer can be a risk factor for numerous systemic diseases, bringing an important burden in morbidity and mortality that affects a large portion of the population. 1,4 Dental caries are modulated by multiple factors, including the presence of acidogenic bacteria, which produce dental structure demineralization, affecting a large number of individuals in the world, specially the pediatric population.…”