Hydrogels in Dental Medicine

Oral diseases are a prevalent global health problem that are primarily characterized by microbial infections, inflammation, and destruction of oral tissues. Maintaining good oral health is essential for a high quality of life, but the effective treatment of oral diseases and the regeneration of lost dental tissues remain challenging. Hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials in modern dental medicine. Their 3D network structures, high water content, good biocompatibility, and various bioactivities enable them to serve as drug delivery platforms, antimicrobial materials, tissue regeneration scaffolds, and biosensors. This review provides an overview of the formation mechanisms, structures, and functions of hydrogels, and highlights their latest applications in treating oral and maxillofacial diseases, such as periodontal diseases, caries, pulp diseases, oral cancer, and mucosal diseases.