Innovative approaches to combating dental biofilms: Nanotechnology and its applications

Abstract

Dental biofilms, impacting around 80% of the global population, are a significant issue causing serious dental disorders like periodontitis, which has links to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional biofilm management methods, including mechanical removal and chemical agents, often fail to completely eradicate biofilms, allowing oral infections to persist. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for medication delivery and biofilm disruption, presenting new opportunities for antimicrobial surfaces and healthcare equipment development. This paper explores advancements in nanotechnology-based strategies to combat dental biofilms, primarily formed by Lactobacillus species, Actinomyces species, and Streptococcus mutans, and examines the composition and characteristics of dental biofilms. The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-based ingredients demonstrates significant antibacterial activity against biofilm-associated pathogens. Additionally, the paper investigates the potential of various metal oxide-based nanoparticles, such as titanium, zinc, and silver, in dental treatments to inhibit biofilm formation and enhance oral health. The stages of dental biofilm formation are outlined, highlighting the risks of untreated biofilms, including systemic health implications. This review underscores the promise of nanodrugs in preventing dental biofilms and improving the efficacy of dental procedures. It delves into cutting-edge nanotechnological approaches, emphasizing the novel use of nanoparticles like gold, silver, and antimicrobial peptides, and their unique mechanisms for disrupting biofilm formation and enhancing dental treatments. The review also covers recent advancements in nanotechnology, offering innovative and more effective solutions for targeted dental care strategies, potentially revolutionizing the approach to managing dental biofilms and promoting better oral health outcomes.