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The propolis benefits for teeth and gum have been extensively reviewed by numerous scientific studies. As one of the richest natural sources of bioflavonoids in the world, propolis offers a whole variety of benefits not only for teeth but also for entire oral health. Curious to know how? Let’s find out together. 

In this article, we’ll be exploring propolis benefits for teeth that are proven by scientific studies along with important precautions and possible side effects. But before we get into how propolis can benefit teeth and oral health, it’s important to learn exactly what propolis is and what properties it holds. So, let’s get started. 

Table of contents 

• What is propolis? 
• Propolis properties and functions 
• Propolis benefits for teeth and oral health  
• How to use propolis 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is propolis? 

Propolis, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, is a semi-solid jelly-like substance that bees form in their homes (hives) and it comes in a range of textures and colors. Bees make this resinous substance in combination with the ingredients secreted from their own saliva glands and a mix of buds that they collect from some trees. 

Propolis comprises a wide range of salubrious natural components including vegetable balsams, resins, waxes, and essential oils that possess many different medicinal properties and have been praised in medicine for thousands of years across the world. It has many other names as well such as bee propolis, beeswax, and bee glue, and others. 

Though propolis had widely been used in medicine to treat diverse ailments in ancient Egypt, Greek, and Rome, modern research to explore its true value began just after World War II, and hence, the full potential of propolis is still yet to come. But the health benefits of propolis that we know so far are quite impressive, particularly in the area of bacterial or viral infections.  

Propolis properties and functions 

One of the key reasons why bees make this sticky substance is to get protection from various elements of the environment such as pollutants and infections. Therefore, propolis has been found to have antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, and even anticancer properties that can benefit human health in many ways. 

These properties of propolis have been used in various specialties of dentistry including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, as well as others. Let’s take a look at some of the ways how propolis offers benefits to teeth.  

Propolis benefits for teeth and oral health

Propolis has been used for decades to improve various tooth conditions as well as overall oral health. The benefits of propolis for teeth are an emerging field of research and we have a considerable treasure of evidence that appears to be promising for the future of dentistry. Here are some of the popular ways through which propolis hugely benefits teeth and their conditions. 

Dental plaques and periodontal issues 

Dental plaque formation is considered one of the leading causes of most tooth and oral issues. Plaque is a sticky soft substance that often sits in the area where teeth meet the gum. Bacteria present in plaque can cause inflammation and various gum and tooth disorders. Propolis has tremendous antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce and prevent plaque formation and periodontal issues. 

A 2013 study published in the Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that the antibacterial measures of propolis are effective against oral pathogenic microflora and could be used in people with a risk of periodontal issues.  

Tooth Sensitivity 

Studies suggest that propolis can reduce the permeability of dentin, the hard bony tissue beneath the enamel, and regulate pulp capping for restoration of dentin, meaning it can counteract tooth sensitivity. 

A 2011 study in the Journal of Applied Oral Science concluded that propolis has the capacity to partially conceal dentin tubules and might be a good option to treat tooth sensitivity. 

Orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthetic dentistry 

Research suggests that propolis can help orthodontics by hastening new bone formation. It can also help endodontics and prosthetic dentistry with its noticeable antifungal actions to treat root canal bacteria and inflammation like denture stomatitis for example. 

A 2013 review showed that propolis and propolis-containing preparations have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, and many other applications that offer a whole range of benefits in various specialties of dentistry. 

How to use propolis 

Propolis can be used in many ways, such as: 

• As oral supplements 
• As topical applications 
• By adding to toothpaste or mouthwash 

Since propolis is considered one the richest sources of natural bioflavonoids that can improve the internal defense system of the body, oral propolis supplements are often recommended along with other external uses to help heal from within. 

Precautions and side effects 

Propolis is really safe for human uses unless or until one has a sensitivity to bee products. There are no reported adverse effects so far in the studies conveyed with dental patients. Reports of allergic reactions to other uses of propolis are mild and very rare. However, people with sensitivity to bee products should consider seeking the direct supervision of a certified naturopath before using propolis. 

Final words 

There is a wide range of benefits of propolis for teeth and oral health. Studies suggest that propolis possesses several medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic that can help various specialties of dentistry including orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthetic dentistry to treat and prevent diverse tooth and oral disorders such as tooth sensitivity, dental plaques, and denture stomatitis.

Since propolis can cause mild allergic reactions in some people, it’s best to consult with a certified dentist or naturopath before using propolis for any dental conditions. 

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Bee Propolis Extract 500 mg Capsules 

Important resources: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23762153/
2. https://www.scielo.br/j/jaos/a/DLQPrvSrjpknjjxbPm9TPXt/?lang=en
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3556426/#:~:text=In%20restorative%20dentistry%2C%20propolis%20can,that%20it%20counteracts%20tooth%20sensitivity
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768961/#:~:text=Propolis%20in%20toothpaste%20was%20seen,etiology%20of%20most%20oral%20diseases.
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308739/#:~:text=Propolis%20is%20a%20resinous%20substance,improving%20dental%20and%20oral%20health.
6. https://www.dentistrywithaheart.com/blog/propolis-an-all-natural-do-it-all-in-dentistry/
7. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/does-it-work-can-propolis-prevent-tooth-decay-1.630719
8. https://www.homegirlhygienist.com/home/bee-propolis-amp-your-gums
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/propolis#summary