Nanotechnology-based therapies for the prevention and treatment of Streptococcus mutans-derived dental caries

Dental caries results from long-term acid production when sugar is metabolized by a bacterial biofilm, resulting in a loss of calcium and phosphate from the enamel. Streptococcus mutans is a type of acid-producing bacteria and a virulent contributor to oral biofilms. Conventional treatment options, such as cefazolin and ampicillin, have significant levels of bacterial resistance. Other topical agents, such as fluoride, tend to be washed away by saliva, resulting in low therapeutic efficacy.

This review aims to highlight the solubility issues that plague poorly water-soluble therapeutic agents, various novel polymeric, and lipid-based nanotechnology systems that aim to improve the retention of therapeutic agents in the oral cavity.

In this review, different formulation types demonstrated improved therapeutic outcomes by enhancing drug solubility, promoting penetration into the deep layers of the biofilm, facilitating prolonged residence time in the buccal cavity, and reducing the emergence of drug-resistant phenotypes. These formulations have a strong potential to give new life to therapeutic agents that have limited physicochemical characteristics.