Effects of Propolis and Persica Mouthwashes on Three Common Oral Streptococci: A Comparative Study

Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most common oral diseases, and research to achieve an effective strategy to overcome these diseases is necessary. One of these strategies is to use anti-septics and disinfectants, including mouthwashes. Although chlorhexidine was the first and most common mouthwash and the gold standard of anti-plaque treatments, it bears many side effects. However, herbal mouthwashes with antimicrobial properties and fewer side effects can effectively treat many of these diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the two herbal types of mouthwash produced in Iran. Methods: The present in vitro study was conducted to investigate the anti-bacterial effects of persica and propolis mouthwashes on three strains of oral streptococci. The Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) was measured by the Disk Diffusion Method (DDM). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of each mouthwash was determined for all microorganisms using the macrodilution method. Results: Statistical analysis of data of DDM showed that the anti-bacterial effect of persica was significantly higher than propolis against Streptococcus. salivarius and Streptococcus. mutans (P<0.001), and these two types of mouthwash had similar anti-bacterial effects on Streptococcus. sanguis. Local propolis exhibited better MIC results than persica against S. salivarius and S. mutans, and these two types of mouthwash showed similar results against S. sanguis. Conclusion: Local propolis was more potent than persica in preventing the growth of oral streptococci.