Functional hydrogels for treatment of dental caries

Abstract

As the most popular teeth problem, dental caries can result in pain, suffering, impaired function, and diminished quality of life among communities, which calls for new strategies to improve the therapeutic effects. With suitable biocompatibility properties, functional hydrogels had developed dramatically in dental caries treatments. In this review, the occurrence and development of dental caries were introduced. Then, the current hydrogels toward dental caries with antibacterial or (and) remineralization properties and hydrogel-related dental pulp tissue engineering were summarized. Finally, the limitation and outlook of the applications of hydrogels on dental caries treatment were prospected. Exploring innovative hydrogel delivery systems will build a solid basis for a brighter future of more friendly, effective and personalized treatment to deal with dental caries.

Keywords

• Hydrogel
• Dental caries
• Tissue engineering
• Oral disease
• Tooth