Propolis use in dentistry: A narrative review of its preventive and therapeutic applications

Propolis is a resinous substance produced naturally by bees, and it consists of the exudates of plants mixed with enzymes, wax, and pollen. Propolis continues to gain considerable scientific interest due to its potential health benefits. The modern-day use of propolis in pharmaceutical preparations, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewable tablets, mucoadhesive gels, and sprays, is increasing. However, the effectiveness of using propolis-containing pharmaceuticals in dentistry is not clear. The present paper aims to review the literature on the dental applications of propolis in preventive dentistry, periodontics, oral medicine, and restorative dentistry and discuss its clinical effectiveness. A literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. In total, 104 studies were included, of which 46 were laboratory studies, 5 animal studies, and 53 human clinical studies. Overall, the laboratory studies revealed a range of antimicrobial effects of propolis on oral pathogens. Clinical investigations of propolis in biofilm and dental caries control as well as adjuvant periodontal therapies reported positive outcomes in terms of plaque control, pathogenic microbial count reduction, and periodontal tissue inflammation control. Additional investigations included the use of propolis for the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral mucositis, and cavity disinfection after caries removal as well as the development of a range of restorative dental materials. Based on the reported outcomes of the studies, the clinical usage of propolis has potential. However, the majority of the evidence is derived from studies with flaws in their methodological design, making their results and conclusions questionable. As a consequence, properly designed and well-reported clinical studies are required to affirm the effectiveness of propolis for dental applications. Additionally, the safety of propolis and the optimal concentrations and extraction methods for its clinical use warrant further investigation. Utilisation of standardised propolis extracts will help in quality control of propolis-based products and lead to the achievement of reproducible outcomes in research studies

Salivary soluble CD44 level in chronic periodontitis – A comparative assessment between preoperative and postoperative scaling and root planing

Background: Salivary biomarkers can be used to diagnose illnesses, track their course, and gauge a patient's response to therapy. Inflammatory circumstances result in higher sCD44 levels. The most typical inflammatory disorder connected to periodontal tissue is called periodontitis. Therefore, the purpose “of the current study was to compare the levels of sCD44 in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing. Objectives: 1) Determining CD44 concentrations in healthy individuals' spit. 2) To quantify CD44 levels in the saliva of individuals with persistent periodontitis. The third objective is to compare the levels of CD44 that can be dissolved in saliva between those with healthy gums and those with active periodontitis. 4) Assessing CD44 levels in saliva after “scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis.” Materials and Methods: Half of the study participants were classified as having chronic periodontitis, while the other half had healthy gums. Participants with healthy gums and those with chronic periodontitis had their plaque levels, gingival status, and testing depths measured. All the same, data were calculated in persons with chronic periodontitis one month after they had “scaling and root planing done. Clinical attachment levels were evaluated before scaling and root planing was performed on patients with chronic periodontitis and again one month afterwards. Patients with chronic periodontitis,” those whose condition had not improved following scaling and root planing (SRP), and healthy individuals all had spit tests conducted after a month. The concentration of sCD44 in the saliva was determined with a chemically coupled immunosorbent assay. Results: Salivary sCD44 levels were substantially greater in people with chronic periodontitis than in people without the condition. After one month of scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis, sCD44 levels drastically dropped (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Chronic periodontitis is linked to elevated levels of salivary sCD44. sCD44 can be employed as a possible salivary biomarker for chronic Periodontitis