Application of Propolis in Pediatric Dentistry

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees with an extensive scope of medicinal uses. It is collected by bees from buds, leaves and bark exudates of several plants in both temperate and tropical areas. Propolis is also called as "bee glue" as it is produced by bees for sealing and protection of their hives. It has miscellaneous biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, and anti-HIV activities. Nowadays propolis is also used in dentistry as natural remedy. It is used in mouthwashes, toothpastes to prevent caries, intracanal irrigation, direct pulp capping and pulpotomy. It is commercially available in the form of capsules, mouthwash solutions, creams, throat lozenges, powder, and also in many purified products from which the wax was removed.