Comparative evaluation of subgingival irrigation with propolis extract versus chlorhexidine as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial

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.

Supra and subgingival application of antiseptics or antibiotics during periodontal therapy

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are characterized by inflammatory processes which arise as a result of disruption of the balance in the oral ecosystem. According to the current S3 level clinical practice guidelines, therapy of patients with periodontitis involves a stepwise approach that includes the control of the patient's risk factors and the debridement of supra and subgingival biofilm. This debridement can be performed with or without the use of some adjuvant therapies, including physical or chemical agents, host modulating agents, subgingivally locally delivered antimicrobials, or systemic antimicrobials. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to review in a narrative manner the existing literature regarding the adjuvant application of local agents, either subgingivally delivered antibiotics and antiseptics or supragingivally applied rinses and dentifrices, during the different steps in periodontal therapy performed in Europe.

To Explore and Analyze the Safety and Clinical Efficacy of Periocline-Assisted Periodontal Basic Therapy on Chronic Periodontitis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate and analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of periocline-assisted periodontal foundation in the therapy of chronic periodontitis.

Methods

From May 2018 to January 2021, 108 patients with chronic periodontitis were treated at our institution and randomly assigned equally to either the control or the experimental group. The plaque index (PLI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), and periodontal attachment level (AI) were evaluated before and after periodontal basic therapy in the control group and periocline as an adjunct in the experimental group. Lactobacillus (LB) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) concentrations in saliva were measured before and after therapy, and adverse responses during treatment were noted.

Results

The levels of PLI, SBI, PD, and AI in the two groups were significantly lower in both groups at 1 and 3 months posttreatment compared to baseline; the levels of PLI and SBI were higher, and the levels of PD and AI were lower at 3 months after treatment compared to 1 month after treatment; compared with the control group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the levels of PLI, SBI, PD, and AI in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The LB level was higher and the PG level was lower in both groups compared to baseline at 1 and 3 months posttreatment. The LB level was higher and the PG level was lower at 3 months posttreatment compared to 1 month after treatment. Compared with the control group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the LB level was higher, and the PG level was lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). No significant adverse effects were observed in either group during the treatment period. Only 1 patient in the experimental group had mild gastrointestinal reactions, mainly nausea, without obvious neurological symptoms or abnormal blood changes, which did not affect the treatment.

Conclusion

Periodontal fundamental therapy with perioclines may be a potential treatment for persistent periodontitis. It improves the primary clinical indicators, increases dysbacteriosis control, and has a strong safety profile. It could effectively control the development of clinical symptoms of periodontitis and reduce tissue destruction, with obvious clinical treatment effects. It could be used as the first choice for topical treatment of chronic periodontitis. It is recommended for further study by a wide range of researchers.