The Influence of Ethanolic Extract of Brazilian Green Propolis Gel on Hygiene and Oral Microbiota in Patients after Mandible Fractures

Biomed Res Int. 2016:2016:9190814. doi: 10.1155/2016/9190814. Epub 2016 Aug 10.

Abstract

Maintenance of proper oral hygiene by dental plaque elimination is one of the most important factors affecting the healing process in postoperative oral wounds. Propolis is a substance produced by bees. Ethanolic extract of propolis has bactericidal, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Moreover, it can scavenge free radicals. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of a gel containing 3% of ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) when used for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with postoperative oral mucosal wounds. The hygiene was assessed using API, OHI, and SBI followed by microbiological examinations. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of those who used a gel containing EEP-B for oral hygiene, and group 2 consisted of those who used a gel without EEP-B. Although improved oral hygiene was noted in both groups, the improvement was markedly greater in the group using gel containing EEP-B. Summing up the results of microbiological examinations, EEP-B has beneficial effect on mouth microflora in postoperative period. Propolis preparations used for oral hygiene allow eliminating microorganisms of pathogenic character and physiological flora microorganisms considered as being opportunistic, with no harmful influence on physiological microflora in oral ecosystem.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Gels / pharmacology
  • Gels / therapeutic use*
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Fractures / drug therapy*
  • Mandibular Fractures / microbiology*
  • Microbiota / drug effects*
  • Mouth / drug effects*
  • Mouth / microbiology*
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects
  • Mouth Mucosa / microbiology
  • Oral Hygiene*
  • Propolis / pharmacology
  • Propolis / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Gels
  • Ethanol
  • Propolis