Nano Based Drug Delivery Formulations for the Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on various nano based drug delivery formulations for the management of Dental caries. To provide an updated information review was conducted by searching electronic databases up to March 2025. Keywords such as “Nanomicelles”, “Nanoemulsion”, “Nanosuspension”, “Hydrogels”, “Dendrimers” for treatment of Dental caries were employed to retrieve relevant literature, with emphasis placed on original research articles, reviews, and case reports.

The most common oral disease with high prevalence rates is the Dental caries which occurs due to the acid production by bacteria, leading to demineralization of the enamel and the formation of cavities. Novel drug delivery systems attempts to clear oral biofilms and remineralize dental enamel. The antimicrobial, remineralisation and drug delivering properties makes as an ideal candidate for the formulation development/treatment options for dental caries. As an innovative technology Nanotechnology paved its way towards the treatment of various dental disorders including Dental caries also. Nano based drug delivery formulations decrease biofilm accumulation, inhibit the demineralization process, remineralize tooth structure, and combat caries-related bacteria. Among nanoformulations the different nanosystems such as liquid crystalline systems, polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles are technologically sound.

To summarize nano based system enhance drug solubility, stability, and targetability with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and decreased side effects. In this review we discuss the current progress and future applications of drug loaded nanomicelles, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, dendrimers, hydrogels as useful strategies to dental caries management.