Application of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles in Dentistry

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The oral cavity harbors diverse microorganisms, with plaque biofilm causing significant dental diseases like caries and periodontitis.
• Plaque biofilm protects pathogenic microorganisms from conventional treatments and host defenses.
• Antimicrobial nanoparticles offer unique advantages due to their size, surface area, and properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the development and applications of antimicrobial nanoparticles in dentistry.
• To summarize the underlying mechanisms of these nanoparticles in combating oral infections.
• To provide future research directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using keywords such as "nanoparticle," "anti-infective/antibacterial/antimicrobial," and "dentistry."
• Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science over the last five years.
• A total of 172 relevant articles were included and analyzed for this review.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle biomaterials demonstrate superior antibacterial properties relevant to oral health.
• The review covers applications across restorative dentistry, endodontics, implantology, orthodontics, dental prostheses, and periodontics.
• Key findings highlight the potential of nanoparticles in overcoming challenges posed by oral biofilms.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial nanoparticles present a promising frontier for dental therapeutic strategies.
• Their application in dentistry is expanding, offering novel solutions for infection control.
• Further research into mechanisms and applications will enhance their clinical utility.