EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS AND PROPOLIS ON PLAQUE INDEX, PLAQUE PH, AND SALIVARY PH VALUES

Introduction: Despite preventive care, the prevalence of dental caries worldwide remains significant. This requires the search for and expansion of options for its prevention. Part of this effort is the addition of probiotic bacteria and propolis to various products for use in the oral cavity to reduce pathogenic microorganisms. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of oral probiotic tablets and propolis mouthwash in children aged 7 to 12 on the pH values ​​of dental biofilm and saliva and their potential for application as an element in the prevention of dental caries. Results: The results show that 14 days of probiotic intake by children decreases plaque accumulation to values ​​between 1.28 and 1.32. An increase in salivary and plaque pH values ​​was also observed on the 7th and 14th day after regular use of probiotic tablets or propolis products. The table shows that both products participating in the study affected the plaque index and the pH levels in plaque and saliva in almost the same way, with no significant differences. Conclusion: The present study results are in favor of the use of probiotics in children and suggest that oral administration of probiotics may help to increase plaque and salivary pH values ​​with regular intake in children at average or high risk of developing caries, as well as to reduce plaque index among adolescents. Propolis mouthwash is a good alternative for children, especially those at high risk of developing caries. Propolis may be a promising agent for preventing oral diseases, demonstrated by the reduction of the plaque index and the increase of plaque and salivary pH.