Layered Double Hydroxide Fluoride Release in Dental Applications: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Research

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are versatile materials with applications in antacids, water purification, and drug delivery.
• LDHs possess significant potential for controlled fluoride ion release within dental applications.
• Existing research explores LDHs in dental composites and muco-adhesive strips for therapeutic ion delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and appraise studies on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for fluoride release in dentistry.
• To evaluate the application and methodologies of LDHs in dental materials for controlled ion release.
• To assess the clinical safety and potential of LDHs in preventing dental caries.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Ovid Medline) following PRISMA guidelines.
• Two independent reviewers screened 258 identified articles, including those with any LDH for ion/drug release in dentistry.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing LDH application, ion release protocols, and LDH production processes.

Main Results:

• Four studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing two in vitro and one clinical investigation.
• LDHs have been incorporated into dental composites and muco-adhesive strips for fluoride release, with clinical safety demonstrated.
• One study showed LDH powder alone could release fluoride and uptake volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), potentially reducing halitosis.

Conclusions:

• LDHs integrated into dental materials are clinically safe and effective for fluoride release.
• LDHs offer a promising approach for sustained fluoride delivery in the oral environment to prevent caries.
• Further investigation into diverse LDH compositions and comprehensive clinical trials for additional cariostatic effects is warranted.