The effect of apis mellifera propolis associated with sodium fluoride on dental biofilm: randomized double-blind clinical trial

Purpose: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this substance both individually and combined with sodium fluoride on dental biofilm accumulation and consequently on caries activity. Material and Method: Ninety seven pupils participated in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. Subjects were randomly divided into Group I and Group II and submitted to topical applications of Gel A (5% Propolis + 0.05% NaF) and Gel B (5% Propolis), respectively. The salivary count of Streptococcus mutans, biofilm accumulation (OHI-S) and the quantification of active white spots were analyzed before and after the applications of both gels. Results: The two gels suppressed the salivary count of Streptococcus mutans and accumulation of dental biofilm, where no statistically significant difference between the groups was observed. However, only Gel A was able to significantly inactivate white spots. Conclusion: Propolis associated with sodium fluoride was efficient in reducing the accumulation of biofilm and the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, while demonstrating a notable effect on the remineralization of white spots.