Advancing oral health: the antimicrobial power of inorganic nanoparticles

Oral health is vital to overall well-being, with the human mouth being home to a myriad of microorganisms. Plaque biofilms, predominantly responsible for dental cavities, consist of diverse bacteria and fungi. These biofilms can lead to oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. In recent times, the spotlight has shifted to inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) as potential dental materials, attributed to their potent antibacterial properties which arise from their expansive-specific area, heightened charge density, and catalytic features. This review aims to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of inorganic NPs, discussing the range of oral diseases they combat and their underlying antibacterial mechanisms. Furthermore, it highlights the distinctive characteristics and applications of various inorganic NPs, with a particular emphasis on metal oxides and calcium phosphates. The review concludes by considering future prospects and developments in the realm of antibacterial inorganic NPs.