Abstract
Conducted studies indicate the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. Moreover, the latest research indicated that cariogenic bacteria may severely influence the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase risk of COVID-19 complications. This article aims to review various applications of propolis and pay attention to a healthy diet rich in polyphenols, which may allow the reduction of dental plaque accumulation. A literature review has been conducted from June until November 2021. It showed that propolis could be a useful agent in decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. Moreover, a diet rich in polyphenols prevents cariogenic bacteria and reduces the accumulation of dental plaque. A reduction of a dental plaque may influence the risk of a severe course of COVID-19. Therefore, propolis and a diet rich in polyphenols may play an important role in prophylaxis of systemic diseases. Recently, it has been proven that oral infection may affect cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, nervous system, as well as may be a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. These aspects should stimulate clinicians to further research about polyphenols.
Highlights
Dental plaque is the community of microorganisms found on a tooth surface, as a biofilm, embedded in a matrix of polymers of both host and bacterial origin [1]
Propolis and a diet rich in polyphenols may play an important role in prophylaxis of systemic diseases
Periodontal diseases are of great importance in the course of many systemic diseases [17]
Summary
Dental plaque is the community of microorganisms found on a tooth surface (or on other hard surfaces inside the oral cavity, like dentures), as a biofilm, embedded in a matrix of polymers of both host and bacterial origin [1]. If not removed regularly, undergoes maturation, connected with a progressive shift from Gram-positive to Gram-negative anaerobic species, which results in biofilm formation under the gingival surface, where bacteria are allowed to grow profusely It causes the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus, which leads to periodontitis [2]. The main propolis components are polyphenols being responsible for a beneficial impact on the oral microflora as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Mainly polyphenols display an important role in prevention of different diseases and a dental plaque accumulation Due to their impact on pathogenic microorganisms and anti-inflammatory mode of action, they are promising agents in prevention of some systemic diseases and recently SARS-CoV-2-infection [13]
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