The effect of Propolis and Xylitol chewing gums on salivary Streptococcus mutans count: a clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common cariogenic microorganisms. Use of natural anticariogenic agents, such as Xylitol has been well-established in the literature. On the other hand, there is a scarcity of studies that have reported the antimicrobial potential of Propolis as an anticariogenic chewing agent; hence, the present study was designed.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the anticariogenic action of two commercial chewing gums Propolis and Xylitol on the salivary S. mutans count in a group of children from Bengaluru city.


METHODS
Clinical setting and experimental design.


METHODS
Thirty healthy children aged 8-11 years with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT index score≥3 were included in the study. Before the test, unstimulated saliva was collected. Children divided into Group I and II were given Propolis and Xylitol chewing gums respectively; to chew for 15 min. Saliva samples were then collected at 15 min (just after spitting) and after 1 h. The amount of S. mutans in saliva was evaluated using a selective media (MSAB). In addition, compliance of the two chewing gums among the children was tested with a questionnaire.


METHODS
Student's t-test.


RESULTS
Six samples out of 30 were excluded due to no growth. The total number of bacterial colonies was significantly reduced when compared to baseline in both the groups. Propolis gum showed statistically significant reduction in the number of colonies as compared to Xylitol. Xylitol gum was more preferred than Propolis gum by the children.


CONCLUSIONS
Propolis chewing gum can be used as an anticariogenic agent in children.
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Sneha Girdhari
SG
Tulsani
Nagarathna
N
Chikkanarasaiah
Shakuntala Bethur
SB
Siddaiah
Navin H
NH
Krishnamurthy
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002638:Chewing Gum; D002648:Child; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004245:DMF Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011429:Propolis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects*; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014993:Xylitol / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D002638:Chewing Gum; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D011429:Propolis; D014993:Xylitol