A clinical efficacy of 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis and Recaldent™ in management of dentinal hypersensitivity: A comparative randomized clinical trial

Evaluation of Propolis Hydrogel for the Treatment of Dentinal Sensitivity: A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees, chiefly from buds and the leaves, branches, and bark of trees. Its role as a wound-healing gel has been studied, but the use of a propolis hydrogel in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity has not been evaluated. Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is commonly treated via iontophoresis using fluoridated desensitizers. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effects of a 10% propolis hydrogel, 2% sodium fluoride (NaF), and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) when used in conjunction with iontophoresis for the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (DH).

METHODS

Systemically healthy patients complaining of DH were selected for this single-centre, parallel, double-blind randomized clinical trial. Three substances were selected as desensitizers for study in the present trial: a 10% propolis hydrogel, 2% sodium fluoride, and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride, all in conjunction with iontophoresis. Any decrease in DH following the application of specific stimuli was assessed at baseline, before and after application, on the 14th day following use, and on the 28th day following the intervention.

RESULTS

Intra-group comparisons show diminished values of DH at maximum post-op follow-up intervals which were significantly trimmed down from the baseline (p < 0.05). The 2% NaF demonstrated a significant reduction in DH over 1.23% APF and the 10% propolis hydrogel (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean difference between the APF and propolis hydrogel groups assessed via tactile, cold, and air tests (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

All three desensitizers have proved to be useful when used in conjugation with iontophoresis. Within the limitations of this study, a 10% propolis hydrogel can be used as a naturally occurring alternative to commercially available fluoridated desensitizers.

The effectiveness of propolis extract in reducing dentin hypersensitivity: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of propolis on dentin hypersensitivity reduction.

DESIGN

The search was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature data base (Lilacs), Brazilian Library in Dentistry (BBO), Embase, and Cochrane Library aiming to identify relevant randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of propolis on dentin hypersensitivity. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used for assessing the risk of bias.

RESULTS

From the total of 63 articles found in the search, six clinical trials were selected. All studies reported that propolis was more effective in reducing hypersensitivity than the placebo. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, propolis extract can be considered an effective, safe and low-cost alternative to reduce the dentin hypersensitivity.

Indian Propolis Little Known and More to Explore for Dental Applications: A Review

Aim:

The present trend in health care is toward the use of natural products for curing diseases. “Propolis” or bees wax is a natural, nontoxic resinous material collected by bees from exudates and buds of the plant. It has many beneficial biological and pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Propolis is widely applied in dentistry as an anticariogenic agent, hypersensitivity reducing agent, and endodontic disinfection to name a few. The diverse phytochemical constituents of propolis are responsible for its valuable properties. Considering its vast potential, propolis has gained the attention of many researchers. The aim of this study is to offer a comprehensive evidence which will enable the readers and researchers to appreciate the prospects of the application of Indian propolis in present-day dentistry.

Material and Methods:

In vitro and in vivo studies on Indian propolis and its application in dentistry searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases up to December 2020.

Results:

The search identified 31 records; 12 full-text articles which met the eligibility criteria were assessed. Based on the results of in vitro studies, further in vivo studies need to be carried out to prove the feasibility of Indian propolis as an anticariogenic agent, a desensitizing agent, and an intracanal irrigant/medicament in the field of dentistry.

Conclusion:

Indian propolis has shown an immense amount of potentiality which demands for more clinical research to have sufficient evidence-based literature for future usage in oral health care.

Halitosis: Current concepts on etiology, diagnosis and management

Halitosis or oral malodor is an offensive odor originating from the oral cavity, leading to anxiety and psychosocial embarrassment. A patient with halitosis is most likely to contact primary care practitioner for the diagnosis and management. With proper diagnosis, identification of the etiology and timely referrals certain steps are taken to create a successful individualized therapeutic approach for each patient seeking assistance. It is significant to highlight the necessity of an interdisciplinary method for the treatment of halitosis to prevent misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment. The literature on halitosis, especially with randomized clinical trials, is scarce and additional studies are required. This article succinctly focuses on the development of a systematic flow of events to come to the best management of the halitosis from the primary care practitioner's point of view.