Ação da própolis de Apis Mellifera no controle do risco de cárie dentária e gengivite em pacientes submetidos a tratamento ortodôntico

Abstract

Studies have shown a strong relationship between the use of orthodontic appliance and increased risk for dental caries and gingivitis due to increased sites of biofilm`s stagnation. The action of propolis against pathogens involved in the etiology of these diseases has also been revealed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of propolis derived from Apis mellifera, alone or combined with sodium fluoride (NaF), in the control of dental caries and gingivitis in patients with fixed orthodontic appliance. Fifty-six patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into three groups according to the risk of dental caries and gingivitis, previously determined by the Gingival Index (GI), Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI), salivary levels of streptococci mutans (SM) and presence of white spots (WS). The volunteers performed mouthwash for 14 days with the 0.05% NaF (control group), 2.5% propolis solution (Group 1) and 2.5% propolis solution + 0.05% NaF (Group 2). The assessments were performed 24 hours, seven and fifteen days after the end of the trial period. Statistical analysis was performed using independent oneway ANOVA test, Tukey’s post-test and t-student’s test. The results showed that the experimental solutions did not affect the GI for any of the three groups (p> 0.050), but significantly reduced the IPO and WS (p <0.050), although the effect was not permanent. The 2.5% propolis’ solution + 0.05% NaF was also effective in the reduction of MB (p = 0.040). It was concluded that, although it was not possible to verify changes related to gingivitis, the propolis solution, especially when associated with NaF 0,05%, is able to reduce the dental biofilm and the risk for dental caries in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.