Nanozymes in Oral Medicine: From Catalytic Design to Advanced Dental Therapies

Nanozymes have garnered increasing attention in oral healthcare due to their enzyme-mimetic properties and potential to tackle challenges associated with oral diseases. These nanomaterials exhibit environmentally responsive modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, enabling them to generate ROS to eradicate bacterial biofilms and drug-resistant pathogens during infection, while scavenging ROS to reduce inflammation and enhance tissue regeneration in restorative contexts. Recent advancements in rational nanozyme design, including surface modifications, elemental doping, artificial intelligence-driven optimization, and biomimetic engineering, have significantly enhanced catalytic efficiency, stability, and precision in targeting specific sites. These tailored features enable nanozymes to function in a cascade-like manner, where multiple catalytic processes occur sequentially to produce a stronger therapeutic impact. Consequently, they demonstrate promise in mitigating periodontal disease, promoting bone healing, and supporting precision therapy for oral malignancies. The versatility of nanozymes also allows them to be combined with photodynamic, immunomodulatory, or scaffold-based approaches, expanding their scope in diagnostics and therapeutics. Despite these achievements, challenges related to long-term biosafety, immune responses, and regulatory considerations must be addressed before widespread clinical use. Continued research into cascade catalytic systems, delivery platforms, and mechanistic insights will be pivotal in unlocking the full potential of nanozymes in oral medicine.