Antimicrobial properties, mechanics, and fluoride release of ionomeric cements modified by red propolis.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, mechanical properties, and fluoride release capacity of glass ionomer cement (GIC) used for cementing orthodontic bands and modified by ethanolic extract of red propolis (EERP) in different concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two orthodontic GICs containing EERP at 10%, 25%, and 50%, were used. The following assays were carried out: cell viability tests against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, shear bond strength, microhardness, and fluoride release capacity. The statistical analyses of the antimicrobial tests, fluoride release, diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, and microhardness were performed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (P .05). CONCLUSIONS The GICs containing EERP at 25% showed a significant increase in their antimicrobial activity against S mutans and C albicans, while mechanical properties and fluoride release remained without significant changes.