Innovative biomaterials in promoting intraoral wound healing: Mechanisms, applications, and challenges

Intraoral wounds face unique challenges, including a humid microenvironment, mechanical stress, and microbial colonization, complicating healing. Local and systemic factors further impair regeneration. Biomaterials with tailored mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and bioactivity show promise in promoting mucosal repair and bone regeneration. However, dynamic microenvironment adaptation and multifunctional integration remain unmet needs. This review provides an integrative overview of the latest advancements in biomaterials for intraoral wound healing. We discuss the physiological mechanisms of intraoral wound healing, key influencing factors. Additionally, we explore the idea properties of biomaterials and their applications in various intraoral wound scenarios and highlight future directions in biomaterial development to guide clinical practice and research.