Effect of Propolis and Pomegranate Extract Mouthwashes on Taste Alteration, Salivary pH and Antibacterial Activity in High Caries Risk Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Dental caries prevention is the key to control dental caries worldwide problem nowadays. Chlorhexidine is
the gold standard antibacterial agent but it has many side effects so natural products have been proposed as
a safer alternative; Propolis and pomegranate are known with their great antibacterial properties.
Aim: This study assessed taste alteration, salivary pH and antibacterial activity of propolis and pomegranate
mouthwashes compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash in high caries risk patients.
Materials and Methods: A total of 80 participantswere divided randomly into four groups, in a parallel
group design. Group 1:propolis mouthwash, group 2: pomegranate mouthwash, group 3: chlorhexidine
mouthwash and group 4: saline. Salivary sample was collected at baseline, immediately after mouthwash
usage and after seven days. The pH of the collected saliva and streptococcus mutans bacterial count were
assessed. Participants received a questionnaire to assess taste alteration on the seventh day. Statistical
analysis took placeusing ANOVA/ Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: Chlorhexidine has a significantly higher incidence of taste alteration compared to the other
mouthwashes which showed statistically similar incidence. The highest salivary pH value was recorded
after immediate usage of mouthwashes in all groups, after seven days there was no significant change in
chlorhexidine and saline groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the total percentage
reduction of bacterial count in all groups but with highest percentage of reduction after immediate usage.
Conclusion: Propolis and pomegranate mouthwashes could be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine
mouthwash