Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Targeting Streptococcus mutans Biofilm for Caries Prevention in Pediatric Dentistry: A Scoping Review
https://doi.org/10.53770/medica.v8i10.1329
Keywords
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Streptococcus Mutans Dental Caries Pediatric DentistryAbstract
Dental caries in children is largely associated with Streptococcus mutans biofilms, which may be controlled using minimally invasive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence regarding the application of aPDT against Streptococcus mutans biofilms for pediatric caries prevention. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines using ScienceDirect, PubMed, ProQuest, and SpringerLink. The literature search covered studies published between January 2021 and July 2026, with eligibility restricted to original, English-language, full-text research articles investigating aPDT against Streptococcus mutans or cariogenic biofilms. A total of 2,365 records were identified from the four databases. After duplicate removal and exclusion of studies available only as abstracts, 429 articles underwent title and abstract screening. Eligible studies were subsequently assessed in full text according to the predefined selection criteria, resulting in the inclusion of eight original studies in the qualitative synthesis. The included studies generally reported reductions in Streptococcus mutans viability and biofilm formation following aPDT. Individual studies also reported reductions in bacterial virulence factors, enhanced enamel remineralization when aPDT was combined with titanium tetrafluoride, and improved antimicrobial performance using nanotechnology-based delivery systems. The available evidence suggests that aPDT may have potential as an adjunctive minimally invasive approach for controlling cariogenic biofilms in pediatric dentistry. However, because the evidence is predominantly laboratory-based, well-designed clinical studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability in children.
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