Research Progress on Bacteriophage Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries

Zehua HAN; Xiaoyan YANG; Yuliang CHEN; Xuelin LI; Rongyu YANG; Yingying XIANG

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Zehua HAN, Xiaoyan YANG, Yuliang CHEN, Xuelin LI, Rongyu YANG, Yingying XIANG. Research Progress on Bacteriophage Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

Citation:

Zehua HAN, Xiaoyan YANG, Yuliang CHEN, Xuelin LI, Rongyu YANG, Yingying XIANG. Research Progress on Bacteriophage Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

Zehua HAN, Xiaoyan YANG, Yuliang CHEN, Xuelin LI, Rongyu YANG, Yingying XIANG. Research Progress on Bacteriophage Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Research Progress on Bacteriophage Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries

1.
Department of Stomatology
2.
Department of Dermatology，Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University，Kunming Yunnan 650031
3.
Department of Stomatology，School of Clinical Medicine，Medical College，Dali University，Dali Yunnan 671000，China

Available Online: 2026-01-03

Abstract

Abstract

Dental caries, as the most prevalent disease in the oral cavity, is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria metabolize dietary carbohydrates to produce acids, leading to the demineralization of dental hard tissues and the formation of carious lesions. Without timely intervention, caries can progress to local complications such as pulpitis and periapical periodontitis, and may even impact systemic health.Antibiotics play a critical role in the treatment of infectious and communicable diseases. However, the long-term misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to a severe global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.Given this context, phage therapy has garnered significant attention due to its unique antibacterial advantages and its ability to circumvent traditional bacterial resistance mechanisms, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. This approach demonstrates considerable potential in eliminating pathogenic bacterial biofilms, thereby preventing the onset of caries and arresting its progression, all while preserving the balance of the normal oral microbiota.This review aims to provide an overview of the current status and future prospects of phage-based strategies for caries management. It will introduce the etiology of dental caries, the fundamental characteristics of bacteriophages, the principles and advantages of phage therapy, the discovery of Streptococcus mutans-specific phages, and the application of this therapy in caries prevention and treatment. The associated challenges and future directions will also be discussed, with the goal of offering a novel perspective on the management of dental caries.
- Bacteriophage,
- Phage therapy,
- Dental caries,
- Streptococcus mutans

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References(56)

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