Evaluation of Chewing Gums Containing Natural Products on Salivary Concentrations of Streptococcus mutans in Children

Background: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) are present in the bacterial biofilm involved in the onset and progression of childhood caries, favoring acid production and dental demineralization. Sugar consumption favors the high incidence of caries in childhood, from 5 to 12 years old. A chewable lozenge incorporated with natural antimicrobial agents of recognized potency, such as red propolis and xylitol, would be an adjuvant to control caries. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-sectional clinical trial. 40 participants were divided into four groups: Placebo (group I), Red Propolis 2.5% (group II); Red propolis 6.4% (group III) and Xylitol 15% (group IV). They had saliva collected at different times of the trial for analysis of antimicrobial action. The study was registered with REBEC. Results: In the group I there were variations before and after the administration of the tablets, but no statistical significance, in relation to the group II it was found a significant reduction in the salivary concentration of S. mutans in all salivary dilutions (34,25% - 63,65%), fact observed with the group III (38,42% - 45,02%) and group IV (50,72% - 42,92%). Conclusion: With encouraging results, further studies are needed for a longitudinal follow-up, being a low-cost alternative with anticariogenic potential.