Nano-warfare in the oral cavity: antimicrobial strategies and mechanisms in nanodentistry.

The oral environment is a very complex, diverse ecological system consisting of microorganisms and host tissues. To maintain oral health, a balance between these two elements is vital. Recent advances in the development of nanotechnology provide dentists with many new ways to kill bacterial pathogens in dental settings. In particular, the emergence of "nanodentistry" represents a means of using engineered nanoscale materials and systems to effectively combat bacterial biofilm formation and the resultant infections associated with biofilms. This review article will provide an overview of nanowarfare as it pertains to the oral cavity, including using nanotechnology to target microbial pathogenesis, promote targeted drug delivery, and enhance biofilm clearance. Many recent studies have investigated new forms of nanotechnology that could empower dentists with preventive, restorative, and periodontal treatments to combat dental diseases. Also, this review article discusses the mechanisms of actions of metal nanomaterials, polymer nanocarriers, and stimulus responsive nanosystems. All types of nanosystems work to generate reactive oxygen species, break apart microbial cell membranes, and selectively deliver antimicrobial agents to locations within the biofilm. The review also discusses the advancement of clinical development and translational hurdles for the implementation of Nanosystems in Dentistry, as well as the biosafety concerns related to the incorporation of nanosystems into clinical applications. The body of the review will integrate the existing body of evidence and the current state of the art to highlight the enormous potential of nanotechnology for future growth and advancement in precision infection control and the long-term success of oral health care for all patients.