| Dental caries, known as tooth decay, is a highly prevalent and chronic disease1 caused by acid-producing bacteria found in dental plaque, primarily Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus.2 It results in the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin.2 The acidic conditions created within dental biofilms disrupt the natural mineral balance of teeth, initiating and advancing the formation of carious lesions.2 |
| Traditionally, preventive strategies against dental caries have centered on oral hygiene practices and dietary modifications.2 However, recent advancements in drug delivery systems like organic polymers and inorganic nanoparticles, show promise in caries prevention due to their ability to facilitate remineralization,2 encapsulate drugs, control release, and enhance bioavailability.1 These systems leverage their small size to improve degradation, photodegradation, and stability of formulations, representing a critical step forward in effective dental care.1 |
| Drug Delivery Systems1 |
| Organic Systems1 |
Inorganic Systems2 |
| Liquid Crystalline System1 |
Silver Nanoparticles2 |
| Liposomes1 |
Zinc Nanoparticles2 |
| Nanoemulsion1 |
Nano Hydroxyapatite2 |
| Polymeric Nanoparticles1 |
Nanosized Calcium Fluoride2 |
| Hydrogel1 |
Titanium Nanoparticles2 |
| Dendrimer1 |
Copper Nanoparticles2 |
| Micelles1 |
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| Organic Drug Delivery Systems: |
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| Liquid Crystalline System |
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Enhances solubility of drugs. |
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Provides controlled release. |
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Biocompatible, stable, and cost-effective. |
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Improves bioadhesiveness and retention in the oral cavity. |
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Effective for localized treatments. |
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| Liposomes |
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High drug encapsulation capacity. |
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Effective against oral biofilms and acid erosion. |
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pH-responsive for targeted drug release. |
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Promotes dental tissue regeneration. |
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| Nanoemulsion |
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Stable nanodroplets penetrate oral biofilms effectively. |
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Contains antimicrobial agents like CPC and chlorhexidine. |
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| Polymeric Nanoparticles |
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Enhance drug stability and solubility. |
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Controlled release and mucoadhesive properties. |
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| Hydrogels |
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Biocompatible and mucoadhesive. |
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Allows controlled drug release. |
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Inhibit oral biofilms effectively. |
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| Dendrimers |
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Biodegradable, sustain drug release. |
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Enhance adhesion and promote enamel remineralization. |
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| Micelles |
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Encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. |
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Improve drug solubility and stability. |
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Protect dental structures and enhance remineralization. |
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| Inorganic Drug Delivery Systems: |
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| Silver Nanoparticles |
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Disrupt bacterial enzymes and inhibit DNA replication. |
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Effective against cariogenic bacteria like S. mutans and L. acidophilus. |
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Green-synthesized Ag NPs exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. |
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| Zinc Nanoparticles |
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Inhibit plaque formation and maintain dentin bond strength. |
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Biocompatible and demonstrate superior antimicrobial activity. |
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Green-synthesized ZnOQDs reduce biofilm formation and are safe for pulp fibroblasts. |
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| Nano Hydroxyapatite |
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Mimics natural enamel, promotes remineralization. |
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Effective in repairing damaged enamel and inhibiting demineralization. |
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| Nanosized Calcium Fluoride |
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Acid-resistant fluorapatite increases fluoride concentration. |
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Composite materials with high fluoride release and antibacterial properties. |
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| Titanium Nanoparticles |
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High biocompatibility, potent antibacterial activity. |
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Used in orthodontic composites without compromising bond strength. |
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| Copper Nanoparticles |
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Inhibit S. mutans and Candida. |
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Effective in reducing biofilm production and antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. |
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| Highlights of Nanoscience Applications in Dentistry |
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Nanotechnology revolutionizes dental care through precise drug delivery systems.1 |
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Organic systems like liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles enhance drug stability and release, supporting effective treatment strategies.1 |
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Inorganic systems such as silver and zinc nanoparticles exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, crucial for combating oral infections.2 |
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pH responsiveness and biocompatibility are key considerations for developing safe and efficient dental treatments.1 |
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Integration of nanomaterials like hydroxyapatite and titanium nanoparticles improves enamel remineralization and prevents bacterial adhesion in dental applications.2 |
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