Abstract
Objective: Evaluate the antiseptic potential of propolis-based mouthwashes. Methods: It was performed a prospective longitudinal study with40 volunteers were selected, divided into four groups according to the time and mouthwash to be tested, with the chlorhexidine-based mouthwash as control (C1 = Chlorhexidine for 1 minute); (C30 = chlorhexidine for 30 seconds); (P1 = propolis for 1 minute; P30 = propolis for 30 seconds). The degree of turbidity of the sterile saline solution and the bacterial growth were verified in Petri dishes. The volunteers' perception of the taste of mouthwashes was verified with the application of a questionnaire. At the end, the data were evaluated statistically. Results: There was a difference in the level of turbidity and bacterial growth between the two rinses, using chlorhexidine for 1 minute with a lower degree of turbidity and greater antibacterial coverage, with no significant difference in the perception of taste. Conclusion: It was concluded that, when comparing mouthwashes, chlorhexidine inhibits bacterial growth more effectively in the two analyzed periods, therefore, the propolis-based mouthwash is not a good alternative, although it has also shown antibacterial activity.