The Effectiveness of Aqueous Propolis Extract in Reducing the Enterococcus faecalis Count in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 11% aqueous propolis extract in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis in necrotic pulp canals of primary anterior teeth compared to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: E. faecalis were isolated from necrotic primary anterior teeth with periapical lesions, cultured, and incubated using paper points. The research sample comprised 30 extracted single-rooted necrotic primary anterior teeth, divided equally into two groups according to the irrigants used. Access cavities were prepared, and working lengths were determined. Afterward, canals were shaped using K-files, contaminated with E. faecalis, and placed in an incubator for a week. Initial microbial swabs were taken, and then each canal was irrigated with either 3 mL of a hand-made 11% aqueous propolis extract or 3 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 5 min. Postirrigation microbial swabs were taken, cultured on blood agar plates, and incubated at 37°C for 48 h, followed by colony counts. Statistical tests included the paired sample T-test, Wilcoxon signed ranks, and Mann–Whitney U tests. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results: In total, 11% aqueous propolis extract contributed to a 61.8% reduction in E. faecalis (p < 0.001), while 2.5% sodium hypochlorite contributed to an 84.1% reduction (p < 0.001). The average change in logarithmic values in the sodium hypochlorite group was more significant than in the propolis group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: In total, 11% aqueous propolis extract is antimicrobial against E. faecalis. However, its efficacy was less than 2.5% sodium hypochlorite.