Effect of a Propolis Tablet on the Saliva and the Amount of Adolescent Dental Plaque Microbes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a xylitol containing propolis tablet on the salivary pH, total microorganisms count and soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide concentration of the dental biofilm of adolescents in a randomized controlled clinical trial. In addition, evaluate the acceptability of the individuals regarding the characteristics of the tablets (appearance, taste, aroma and texture) through a questionnaire. To that end, healthy adolescents between 10 and 19 years old, without active carious lesions, who seek care at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) will be randomly assigned to the two groups of the study: control group (propolis- consumers of tablets with propolis), respecting an interval of 30 days of rest between the consumption of the tablets. The study will be cross-checked and the principal investigator will be blind. The tablets will be given to the participants on an exact number of days of use and they will be instructed to consume two tablets per day for 7 uninterrupted days. After 30 days of interval, they will consume the other type of tablet with the same recommendations of the first one. The total non-stimulated saliva collection will be performed at the beginning of the study (before the consumption of the tablets) and 7 days after the intervention of each type of tablet, as well as the collection of the dental biofilm. Saliva and biofilm samples from all individuals will be identified and later analyzed in the laboratory, on the same day of collection, to measure the salivary pH, with the aid of a phmeter, and evaluation of the growth of total microorganisms (CFU / mg biofilm ), respectively. From the biofilm collected and stored in saline, concentrations of soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides will also be measured by means of a spectrophotometer. Statistical tests will be used to compare the groups, with a significance level of 5%. As results, the propolis-containing tablet is expected to increase the salivary pH and decrease the number of total microorganisms in the dental biofilm.

Test tablets (with xylitol and propolis) and control (xylitol only) will be offered in an exact number of days of use to be consumed orally. Collection of total non-stimulated saliva and dental biofilm will be performed at the beginning of the study (before tablet consumption) and 7 days after the intervention. Saliva samples from each individual will be collected in separate containers as well as the biofilm samples, both at baseline and after 7 days, for both types of pellets and both tests. All individuals (n=300) will use the tablet with and without propolis, respecting interval of 30 days without consumption of any other tablet or substance containing propolis and/or xylitol.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 10-19 years;
* Both genders;
* Individuals without cavitary caries lesions;
* Healthy individuals without any systemic diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals intolerant to some component of the propolis-containing tablet;
* Subjects undergoing antimicrobial treatment during the course of the study or for a period of 30 days prior to the study;
* Individuals who used products containing xylitol up to 30 days before the start of study or during the course of the study;
* Individuals who used products containing propolis up to 30 days before the start of the study or during the course of the study;
* Individuals with orthodontic appliances;
* Individuals who are using oral mouthwashes during the period of study;
* Individuals with a history of intraoral surgery within the last 6 months;
* Individuals who are making use of products rich in polyphenols: coffee, mate, acai, in the previous period (30 days) and during the research;
* Individuals who consume alcohol.