Applications of Propolis in Dentistry: A Review

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from the beehives that has antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-virus, anti-fungal, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to review the studies about the role of propolis in improving dental and oral health. METHODS: This study reviewed the published articles regarding the applications of propolis in dentistry. An electronic search of the literature was carried out in Farsi electronic databases including Google, Medlib.ir, SID, Iranmedex and Magiran as well as English electronic databases such as PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge. These databases were searched for articles published between 1997 and October 20, 2017. Non-dental books and journals were also manually searched. RESULTS: This study reviewed published articles on the efficacy of propolis for surgical wound healing, caries prevention, treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, treatment of aphthous ulcers and propolis as a storage medium for avulsed teeth, root canal irrigating solution and mouthwash. CONCLUSION: The result of the reviewed article showed that propolis is effective an agent that is used for multiple purpose in oral health.