Next-generation strategies for anti-caries and remineralization: Bridging mechanistic insights and clinical translation

Dental materials science and oral biology are increasingly converging to address the global burden of dental caries, a condition that affects nearly 90% of the world’s population. The disease arises from a persistent imbalance between demineralization and remineralization processes within the oral environment. For decades, fluoride-based treatments have underpinned caries prevention strategies, but their limited ability to modulate biofilm dynamics and regenerate mineralized tissue presents a critical shortfall. Recent research is redefining the anti-caries landscape by focusing on multifunctional materials and biologically inspired remineralization pathways. Studies on bioactive glass composites, nanostructured biomaterials, and self-assembling peptides reveal substantial promise for achieving dual antibacterial and remineralizing properties. Nonetheless, translation from laboratory innovation to consistent clinical performance remains constrained by oral microenvironment variability, material stability, and limited long-term validation. There is a growing need for interdisciplinary efforts that integrate materials chemistry, microbiology, and clinical sciences to overcome these barriers and realize a new generation of minimally invasive caries therapies.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding and practical application of emerging anti-caries and remineralization strategies by uniting molecular mechanisms, material innovation, and translational research. It seeks to elucidate how nanoscale and biomimetic designs contribute to mineral regeneration, how multifunctional agents inhibit cariogenic biofilms, and how these combined effects can be optimized for durable clinical outcomes. Central to this endeavor is the translation of laboratory discoveries into measurable clinical improvements, fostering the development of integrated preventive and restorative solutions for dental health.To gather further insights into the translation of fundamental findings into clinical relevance, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Multifunctional biomaterials integrating antimicrobial and remineralizing propertieso Biomimetic enamel regeneration and amelogenesis-inspired strategieso Nano-engineered systems for targeted ion release and biofilm modulationo Self-assembling peptides and scaffolds for enamel tissue restorationo Clinical performance and long-term evaluation of remineralizing agentso Mechanistic studies on oral microbiome interactions and host–material dynamicso Translational pathways from laboratory models to patient-centered applications Topic editors: Yuanping Hao, Yuanfei Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84217/next-generation-strategies-for-anti-caries-and-remineralization-bridging-mechanistic-insights-and-clinical-translation