Abstract.
   Introduction: Propolis is a naturally-occurring bee product. It is a hard resinous substance consisting chiefly of wax and plant extracts. It plays a role in the bee colony as protection against invasion and infection, and increases the immunity of bees. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of propolis- mouth rinse in decreasing plaque accumulation and improvement of gingival health in pediatric patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: This study included 60 children attending orthodontic out patient Orthodontic Department. Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University and assigned into two groups according to different treatment modalities. Propolis mouth wash, group and distilled water group. Mouth wash used twice daily after meals after taking informed consent from parent of each treated child. Plaque index and gingival index periodontal index SM count and LB count were assessed at base line and at a 30-days interval for 3 months. All subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily. Tooth brushing without tooth paste and mouth rinsing. Results: Propolis mouth wash 5% improved gingival health this characteristic of propolis extract was confirmed in our study where percent change of Streptococcus mutans count, lactobacilli count were increased with lower value than control group. Gingival index, periodontal index was decreased by time in each treated groups with statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Propolis mouth wash 5% have a good role in improvement of gingival health thus can be used in children as a regular home care preventive aid.