Effects of Propolis and Persica Mouthwashes on Three Common Oral Streptococci: A Comparative Study

Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most common oral diseases, and research to achieve an effective strategy to overcome these diseases is necessary. One of these strategies is to use anti-septics and disinfectants, including mouthwashes. Although chlorhexidine was the first and most common mouthwash and the gold standard of anti-plaque treatments, it bears many side effects. However, herbal mouthwashes with antimicrobial properties and fewer side effects can effectively treat many of these diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the two herbal types of mouthwash produced in Iran. Methods: The present in vitro study was conducted to investigate the anti-bacterial effects of persica and propolis mouthwashes on three strains of oral streptococci. The Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) was measured by the Disk Diffusion Method (DDM). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of each mouthwash was determined for all microorganisms using the macrodilution method. Results: Statistical analysis of data of DDM showed that the anti-bacterial effect of persica was significantly higher than propolis against Streptococcus. salivarius and Streptococcus. mutans (P<0.001), and these two types of mouthwash had similar anti-bacterial effects on Streptococcus. sanguis. Local propolis exhibited better MIC results than persica against S. salivarius and S. mutans, and these two types of mouthwash showed similar results against S. sanguis. Conclusion: Local propolis was more potent than persica in preventing the growth of oral streptococci.

Comparison of bacterial microleakage of three bioactive endodontic sealers in simulated underwater diving and aviation conditions

BACKGROUND

Bacterial microleakage is an important cause of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment failure. This study aimed to assess the bacterial microleakage of nano-mineral trioxide aggregate (nano-MTA) as a sealer, Endoseal MTA, and GuttaFlow Bioseal sealers in atmospheric pressure, and simulated underwater diving and aviation conditions.

METHODS

In this in vitro, experimental study, 180 extracted single-rooted teeth were cleaned and shaped, and were then randomly divided into three groups for single-cone obturation using Endoseal MTA, GuttaFlow Bioseal, or nano-MTA as a sealer. Each group was then randomly divided into three subgroups, and subjected to ambient atmospheric pressure, 2 atm pressure (to simulate underwater diving), and 0.5 atm pressure (to simulate aviation) using a custom-made pressure chamber. The teeth then underwent microbial leakage test using Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and the percentage of samples showing microleakage was recorded for up to 1 month, and analyzed using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The three sealer groups were significantly different regarding bacterial microleakage (P < 0.05). The nano-MTA group showed significantly higher microleakage after 15 days than the other two groups (P = 0.006). The effect of pressure on bacterial microleakage was not significant in any sealer group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it may be concluded that single-cone obturation technique using nano-MTA as a sealer results in lower resistance to bacterial microleakage compared with the use of GuttaFlow Bioseal, and Endoseal MTA. Pressure changes in simulated underwater diving and aviation conditions had no significant effect on bacterial microleakage. Trial Registration Number This is not a human subject research.