Propolis and Oral Health

Recently the dental world has been buzzing with the discovery that Propolis could be a leading ingredient in oral hygiene and health. Dentists and researchers have noticed the increasing evidence of the benefits of Propolis for reducing cavities, gingivitis and plaque build up. Oral health is an important and often neglected area of relevance to overall health.

Bad breath (halitosis) may be caused by excessive bacteria in the mouth. Propolis is found to have antibacterial activity and be helpful in the protection against oral microorganisms that contribute to bad breath, such as :

1. Enterococcus faecalis
2. Streptococcus salivarius
3. Streptococcus sanguinis
4. Streptococcus mitis
5. Streptococcus mutans
6. Streptococcus sobrinus
7. Candida albicans
8. Lactobacillus casei . _{(6,7, 18, 26, 31, 34, 40)}

Inflammation of the gums or periodontitis is often accompanied with symptoms such as pain, burning and bad breath. This is caused by bacteria and debris that infect the roots of teeth and the surrounding gum crevices, producing bleeding, and pus formation. In advanced cases the progression of bacteria may cause a gradual loss of bone and the periodontal tissues that support the teeth and cause tooth loss.

Propolis toothpaste has been found to have beneficial plaque inhibiting properties as well as anti-inflammatory actions that shows benefits with those suffering from gum problems. 

Decay, cavity formation or caries in teeth, plaque build up and gingivitis, are all common problems for many. Propolis seems to be a potent natural anti-cavity agent. A study in Brazil showed that the cavity rate in rats decreased by 60 percent and nearly stopped the activity of a key enzyme (glucosyltransferase) formed by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans responsible for plaque build up and dental caries. 

Mouth ulcers or canker sores mostly occur on the inner cheek, inner lip, tongue, soft palate, floor of the mouth, and sometimes the throat. The worst thing about mouth ulcers is the pain that they cause, which is constant, excruciating, made worse by eating, drinking and talking.

Propolis is used by dentists to help with oral ulcers with positive results. Studies show dramatic healing after propolis tincture is applied daily for more than two weeks.

Advanced Dentistry

• Covering the tooth for preparations

In dentistry Propolis has been used in a paste as a preservative for teeth after extractions, when the teeth are intended to be reinserted.

• Combination of therapy

When dentists used Propolis extract together with other periodontal treatment they found more it more effective than if they had used conventional treatment alone.

• Root canals

Russian dentists often recommend Propolis in root canal fillings because of its anaesthetic action and antibacterial action.

• Socket covering after extraction

After a dental extraction Propolis can be used as a sealant for tooth sockets. 

Fungal infection , such as thrush is often caused by Candida Albicans, usually occurring in the mouth and throat. The most frequent form presents itself as white patches on the tongue or mouth. Symptoms may also include red patches on the surfaces of the mouth and tongue, or white patches that bleed when removed, or inflamed cracks and splits in the corners of the mouth.

Thrush can affect infants who have immature immune defenses; people with badly fitting dentures or with a weak immune system such as those with diabetes, cancer, Crohn's disease, or AIDS. Also drugs, such as steroids, chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics can disrupt the normal mouth flora.

A propolis extract cleared thrush, an oral yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, as effectively as the standard antifungal medication, according to Phytotherapy Research.

Propolic has a long history of use with records from 12th Century Europe describing medical preparations that included Propolis in the treatment of mouth and throat infections as well as dental caries. This may have been due to its pain killing properties.

When propolis resin is chewed a tingling sensation and numbing effect is observed and this indicates a possible local anaesthetic activity. Compounds with this effect can be used in topical preparations for the relief of pain. It is believed that the pain numbing effect may be why it was so popular. Medical studies have also indicated that an alcoholic extract of propolis has a similar effect to the commercial drug Novocain. 

Propolis is the medicinal marvel from the beehive and nature's premiere preventative. Research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties. Only in the past 30 years has it undergone the scientific tests to validate what the bees have always known. This substance has almost magical healing properties that make it invaluable as a healing agent for both internal and external use. It is so powerful in action, it is often called Russian penicillin in acknowledgement of the extensive research the Russians have mounted on this wonder worker from the bees.

What is Propolis?

The bees have known the secrets of this sticky resin for millions of years. Man has used it for thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans using it medicinally.

Propolis is a sticky brownish waxy substance found in the hive and around the entrance. Honeybees gather the resin and carry it to the hive where they mix it with beeswax and enzymes to make Propolis. Propolis is used to seal cracks in the hive for this reason has been coined bee glue, protecting the hive from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Thus Propolis is known as nature's best defence.

What is in Propolis that makes it so special?

Analysis reveals approximately 55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen. Other natural occurring constitutions include cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, vanillin, caffeic acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid.

Flavonoids make up an important part in Propolis. Closely related to Vitamin C, these nutrients have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Significantly, pure New Zealand propolis has been shown to have a relatively high percentage of flavonoids in the extracted product. Propolis contains 500 more flavonoids (vitamin P) than are found in oranges and some of the healing benefits may be attributed to these compounds.

Toothpastes are an ideal way to deliver propolis to the mucous membranes of the mouth on a regular basis.

Is there anyone not suited to Propolis?

Propolis is not suitable for everyone, as those with allergies or sensitivities to bee products should avoid using it. Reports of contact dermatitis have been noted for some people.

By Julie Kirsop (DipNat, DipHerbMed, BHSc(CompMed), BA).

Our Product:

Click here to buy our Propolis toothpaste

References

1. A moros M., C.M.O. S imoes, L. G irre I732 Journal of Natural Proakcts Vol. 55. No. 12. pp. 1732-1 740, December 1992 S ynergistic effect of flavones and flavonols against herpes simplex virus type 1 in cell culture. Comparison with the antiviral activity of propolis.

2. Blanken R, Koedijk FHJ, Young E. Propolis allergy [in Dutch; English abstract]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd . 1987;131:1121- 1123.

3. Brumfitt W, Hamilton-Miller JMT, Franklin I. Antibiotic activity of natural products: 1. Propolis. Microbios . 1990;62:19-22.

4. Burdock GA. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of bee propolis (propolis). Food Chem Toxicol . 1998;36:347-363.

5. Debiaggi M, Tateo F, Pagani L, et al. Effects of propolis flavonoids on virus infectivity and replication. Microbiologica . 1990;13:207-213.

6. Gebaraa EC, Pustiglioni AN, de Lima LA, Mayer MP, Propolis extract as an adjvant to periodontal treatment. Oral Health Prev Dental 2003, 1(1):29-35

7. Grange, JM, Antibacterial properties of propolis ( bee glue ) 1990 - paviasalesgroup.com Page 1. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Volume 83 March 1990 Antibacterial properties of propolis ( bee glue )

8. Harish Z, Rubinstein A, Golodner M, et al. Suppression of HIV-1 replication by propolis and its immunoregulatory effect. Drugs Exp Clin Res . 1997;23:89-96.

9. Hausen BM, Wollenweber E, Senff H, et al. Propolis allergy. (II). The sensitizing properties of 1,1-dimethylallyl caffeic acid ester. Contact Dermatitis . 1987;17:171-177.

10. Hay KD, Greig DE. Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol . 1990;70:584-586.

11. Higashi KO, de Castro SL. Propolis extracts are effective against Trypanosoma cruzi and have an impact on its interaction with host cells. J Ethnopharmacol . 1994;43:149-155.

12. Hladon B, Bylka W, Ellnain-Wojtaszek M, et al. In vivo studies on the cytostatic activity of propolis extracts. Arzneimittelforschung . 1980;30:1847-1848.

13. Huleihel, Mahmoud; Isanu, Vladimir. Anti-herpes simplex virus effect of an aqueous extract of propolis. Institute for Applied Biosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. Israel Medical Association Journal (2002), 4(11, Suppl.), Volume 95 Issue 5 Page 913 - November 2003

14. Hyun Koo, Anne M. Vacca Smith, William H. Bowen, Pedro L. Rosalen, Jaime A. Cury, Yong K. Park. Effects of Apis mellifera Propolis on the Activities of Streptococcal Glucosyltransferases in Solution and Adsorbed onto Saliva-Coated Hydroxyapatite, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., USA;
School of Food Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil, Caries Research 2000;34:418-426

15. Hyun Koo Hyun, Michel, Effects of compounds found in Propolis on streptococcus mutans growth and on glucosyltransferase activity, Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, May 2002, P 1302 -1309

16. Hyun Koo,^* Pedro L. Rosalen, Jaime A. Cury, Yong K. Park, and William H. Bowen, Effects of Compounds Found in Propolis on Streptococcus mutans Growth and on Glucosyltransferase Activity Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002 May; 46(5): 1302-1309. : 10.1128/AAC.46.5.1302-1309.2002. American Society for Microbiology.

17. Ikeno K, Ikeno T, Miyazawa C. Effects of propolis on dental caries in rats. Caries Res . 1991;25:347-351.

18. Journal of Medicinal Food Inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 by Pollen and Propolis Extracts Apr 2004, Vol. 7, No. 1 : 114 -116 Kiderman , R Torten , AL Furst , K Reinus Bi-lateral eosinophilic ulcers in an infant treated with propolis Journal of Dermatological Treatment Volume 12, Number 1 / March 1, 200129 - 31

19. Khayyal MT , el-Ghazaly MA, el-Khatib AS. Mechanisms involved in the antiinflammatory effect of propolis extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res . 1993;19:197-203.

20. Krell R, Valued- Added products from Beekeeping FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin No.124 Rome 1996

21. Magro Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Topical effect of propolis in the repair of sulcoplasties by the modified Kazanjian technique. Cytological and clinical evaluation. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent . 1994;36:102-111.

22. Magro Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Application of propolis to dental sockets and skin wounds. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent . 1990;32:4-13.

23. Massoud Amanlou ^* , Jalil Momen Beitollahi, Shervin Abdollahzadeh , Zahra Tohidast-Ekrad ² Miconazole gel compared with Zataria multiflora Boiss. gel in the treatment of denture stomatitis Research Article Phytotherapy Research (2005;19:6524).

24.

25. Miyares AC Hollands I, Castaneda C, et al. Clinical trial with a preparation based on propolis "propolisina" in human giardiasis [in Spanish; English abstract]. Acta Gastroenterol Latinoam . 1988;18:195-201.

26. Miorin P.L., N.C. Levy Junior, A.R. Custodio, W.A. Bretz, M.C. Marcucci (2003)
Antibacterial activity of honey and propolis from Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca angustula against Staphylococcus aureus Journal of Applied Microbiology 95 (5), 913-920. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02050.x

27. Metzner J, Bekemeier H, Paintz P, et al. On the antimicrobial activity of propolis and propolis constituents [in German; English abstract]. Pharmazie . 1979;34:97-102.

28. Newman, et al, 1986 Propolis has also had positive results on helping with decreasing plaque and gingivitis

29. Paintz M , Metzner J On the local anaesthetic action of propolis and some of its constituents Pharmazie. 1979 Dec;34(12):839-41

30. Pascual C, Gonzalez R, Torricella RG. Scavenging action of propolis extract against oxygen radicals. J Ethnopharmacol . 1994;41:9-13.

31. Petersen HO. Hypersensitivity to propolis. Contact Dermatitis . 1977;3:278-279.

32. Popescu MP, Palos E, Popescu F. Efficacy of combined biological therapy with bee products in localized palpebral and conjunctival eye lesions with reference to the clinico-functional changes [in Romanian; English abstract]. Rev Chir Oncol Radiol O R L Oftalmol Stomatol Otorinolaringol. 1985;29:53-61.

33. Orsi RO, JM Sforcin, VLM Rall, SRC Funari, L Susceptibility profile of Salmonella against the antibacterial activity of propolis produced in two - Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical …, 2005 - SciELO Brasil ... ORIGINAL PAPER. Susceptibility profile of Salmonella against the antibacterial activity of propolis produced in two regions of Brazil.

34. Rodriguez, Deborah S. DDS, FAGD; Sarlani, Eleni DDS, PhD Decision Making for the Patient Who Presents With Acute Dental Pain. AACN Clinical Issues: Advanced Practice in Acute & Critical Care. Pain Management. 16(3):359-372, July/September 2005.

35. Santos V. R. , F. J. G. S. Pimenta, M. C. F. Aguiar, M. A. V. do Carmo, M. D. Naves, R. A. Mesquita Oral candidiasis treatment with Brazilian ethanol propolis extract Department of Clinical Pathology and Surgery, Laboratory of Microbiology, Dentistry School, Minas Gerais Federal University, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus da Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, CEP 31.270-901 Phytotherapy Research

36. Santos FA, E Bastos, A Maia, M Uzeda, MAR Carvalho Brazilian Propolis : physicochemical properties , plant origin and antibacterial activity on … - group of 3 - Phytotherapy Research, 2003 -

37. Scheller S, Tustanowski J, Kurylo B, et al. Biological properties and clinical application of propolis. III. Investigation of the sensitivity of staphylococci isolated from pathological cases to ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). Attempts on inducing resistance in laboratory Staphylococcus strain to EEP. Arzneimittelforschung . 1977;27:1395.

38. Schuler TM, Frosch PJ. Propolis-induced contact allergy [in German; English abstract]. Hautarzt . 1988;39:139-142.

39. Strehl E, Volpert R, Elstner EF. Biochemical activities of propolis-extracts. III. Inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase. Z Naturforsch [C]. 1994;49:39-43.

40. Takarada K The effects of essential oils on periodontopathic bacteria and oral halitosis, Oral Diseases Vol 11, Issue s1, 115 March 2005.

41. Takaisi-Kikuni NB , Schilcher H. Electron microscopic and microcalorimetric investigations of the possible mechanism of the antibacterial action of a defined propolis provenance. Planta Med . 1994;60:222-227.

42. Trevelyan J. Spirit of the beehive. Nurs Times . 1997;93:72-74.

43. Wander, Phil. Health from the hive: Applications of propolis in dentistry, Dentistry Clinical January 2005

44. Wanscher B. Contact dermatitis from propolis. Br J Dermatol . 1976;94:451-455.

45. Vynograd N, Vynograd I, Sosnowski Z. A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes. Phytomedicine. 2000;7:1-6.