Antimicrobial Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Paediatric Dentistry: A Review

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained increasing attention in paediatric dentistry due to their potent antimicrobial activity, high biocompatibility, and ability to prevent bacterial resistance. These nanoparticles act by releasing ionic silver (Ag⁺), disrupting microbial cell membranes, interfering with respiratory enzymes, and inducing oxidative stress that ultimately leads to cell death. Their nanometric size and large surface area enhance contact with microorganisms, providing a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. In paediatric dentistry, AgNPs have been incorporated into restorative materials, pit and fissure sealants, adhesives, and endodontic irrigants to improve antimicrobial performance without compromising biocompatibility. Recent studies have demonstrated their effectiveness against cariogenic and biofilm-forming bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Moreover, nano-silver fluoride has emerged as a promising agent for the arrest of dental caries in primary teeth. Despite their clinical potential, concerns remain regarding cytotoxicity, nanoparticle aggregation, and the long-term effects of silver ion release. Future research should focus on optimising concentration, particle size, and stabilisation techniques to balance antimicrobial efficacy with safety. In conclusion, silver nanoparticles represent a promising adjunct in minimally invasive and preventive paediatric dentistry, with the potential to enhance the durability and antimicrobial performance of dental materials.

Keywords

• Silver nanoparticles
• Paediatric dentistry
• Antimicrobial activity
• Nano-silver fluoride

Çocuk Diş Hekimliğinde Gümüş Nanopartiküllerin Antimikrobiyal Uygulamaları: Bir Derleme

Abstract

Gümüş nanopartiküller (AgNP’ler), güçlü antimikrobiyal aktiviteleri, yüksek biyouyumlulukları ve bakteriyel direnç gelişimini önleyebilme özellikleri sayesinde çocuk diş hekimliğinde giderek artan bir ilgi görmektedir. Bu nanopartiküller, iyonik gümüş (Ag⁺) salınımı yoluyla etki gösterir; mikrobiyal hücre zarını bozar, solunum enzimleriyle etkileşime girer ve oksidatif stres oluşturarak hücre ölümüne yol açar. Nanometrik boyutları ve geniş yüzey alanları sayesinde mikroorganizmalarla temaslarını artırarak geniş spektrumlu antibakteriyel, antifungal ve antiviral etki sağlarlar. Çocuk diş hekimliğinde AgNP’ler; restoratif materyaller, pit ve fissür örtücüler, adeziv sistemler ve endodontik irrigasyon solüsyonlarına eklenerek biyouyumluluğu korurken antimikrobiyal etkinliği artırmak amacıyla kullanılmaktadır. Güncel çalışmalar, bu nanopartiküllerin Streptococcus mutans ve Lactobacillus acidophilus gibi çürük oluşturan ve biyofilm oluşturan bakterilere karşı etkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, nano gümüş florürün süt dişlerinde çürük ilerlemesini durdurmada umut verici bir ajan olduğu bildirilmiştir. Klinik potansiyellerine rağmen, sitotoksisite, nanoparçacıkların agregasyonu ve gümüş iyonu salınımının uzun dönem etkileri konusunda endişeler devam etmektedir. Gelecekteki araştırmaların, antimikrobiyal etkinlik ile güvenlik arasındaki dengeyi sağlamak amacıyla konsantrasyon, partikül boyutu ve stabilizasyon tekniklerinin optimizasyonuna odaklanması gerekmektedir. Sonuç olarak, gümüş nanopartiküller minimal invaziv ve koruyucu çocuk diş hekimliğinde umut verici bir tamamlayıcı ajan olup, dental materyallerin dayanıklılığını ve antimikrobiyal performansını artırma potansiyeline sahiptir.

Keywords

• gümüş nanopartiküller
• Çocuk diş hekimliği
• Antimikrobiyal aktivite
• Nanogümüş florür

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