Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effects of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on gingivitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of typified propolis and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on gingival health in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Material And Methods: Sixty participants were randomized to 3 mouthrinse study groups: 1) 2% typified propolis (n = 20); 2) 0.12% chlorhexidine (n = 20), and 3) placebo (n = 20). Participants rinsed unsupervised twice a day for 28 days. The Papillary Bleeding Score (PBS) was measured on the mesio-buccal surfaces of all teeth at baseline and 28 days thereafter. Co-variance analysis was employed to compare PBS average values and the number of sites with PBS ≥ 2 among study groups. Sub-group analysis was further applied to participants who were < 40 years-old.

Results: The results show efficacy of propolis mouthrinse when comparing before and after treatment protocols significantly for a reduction of mean PBS scores. For younger participants propolis mouthrinse was superior to all groups in reducing mean PBS scores and significant when compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse.

Conclusion: The efficacy of 2% typified propolis mouthrinse was demonstrated in reducing the levels of gingival inflammation. These results need to be duplicated by other investigators under similar study protocols.