ABSTRACT
Natural products, including propolis, are now frequently used to treat periodontal disease, but there are a few clinical studies in this area. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of subgingival irrigation of periodontal pockets with a hydroalcoholic solution of propolis extract 20% (w/v) as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. Sixteen individuals were divided into a test group (TG), comprised 65 teeth (scaling and root planing + irrigation with propolis solution), and a control group (CG), comprised 62 teeth (scaling and root planing + irrigation with saline solution). Clinical data such as probing depth, plaque index, gingival index and oral hygiene index were collected at baseline (T0) and after 45 (T1), 75 (T2) and 90 (T3) days. Both groups showed significant differences among the evaluated periods. The TG presented more reduction (p < 0.05) of probing depth than CG at T1 and T3. Within the limits of this short-term study, these data suggest that irrigation with a hydroalcoholic solution of propolis extract 20% (w/v) as an adjunct in periodontal treatment was more effective than the mechanical treatment with saline solution in terms of reducing probing depth for up to 90 days from the beginning of treatment.
