This review provides a comprehensive overview of dental materials that promote tissue healing while exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The focus is on materials that are biocompatible, bioactive, and non-toxic to host cells, with demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Current advances in natural bactericides, antimicrobial polymers, and bioactive glass/polymer composites are summarized, along with techniques employed for surface modification and the coating of dental implants. Three major categories of antimicrobial coatings were identified: antibacterial phytochemicals, synthetic antimicrobial agents (including polymers and antibiotics), and metallic nanoparticles. Bioactive coatings were further examined to identify potential antimicrobial strategies within these materials, and existing research gaps were highlighted. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2010 and June 2025. Overall, this review underscores the growing potential of multifunctional dental materials that integrate bioactivity with antimicrobial performance, offering promising directions for the development of next-generation restorative and implant materials.

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the Cannabis plant, has shown potential in dentistry for its antimicrobial properties, particularly against oral bacteria. Denture-associated infections, a common issue among denture wearers, present a challenge in antimicrobial enhancements to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), the primary material for dentures due to its favorable physical and aesthetic qualities. To address this, researchers developed PMMA denture coatings infused with CBD nanoparticles. The CBD coatings were synthesized using UV curing and characterized via ¹H NMR, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopies. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae. CBD demonstrated significant bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2–2.5 µg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 10–20 µg/mL but was ineffective against planktonic Gram-negative bacteria. However, biofilm studies revealed a 99% reduction in biofilm growth for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on CBD-infused PMMA compared to standard PMMA. The CBD disrupted bacterial cell walls, causing lysis. Dissolution studies indicated effective release of CBD molecules, crucial for antimicrobial efficacy. This study highlights CBD’s potential for antibiotic-free denture coatings, reducing dental biofilms and plaque formation, and improving oral health outcomes.

This review presents a comprehensive overview of dental materials that support tissue healing while exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Emphasis is placed on materials that are biocompatible, bioactive, and non-toxic to host cells, with demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. The review summarizes current research on natural bactericides, antimicrobial polymers, and bioactive glass/polymer composites, along with various techniques employed for surface coating of dental implants. Three principal categories of antimicrobial coatings have been identified: antibacterial phytochemicals, synthetic antimicrobial agents (including polymers and antibiotics), and metallic nanoparticles. Among these, antibacterial peptide-based coatings have been the most extensively studied and have shown the greatest effectiveness in reducing bacterial colonization, especially during extended incubation periods. These coatings offer high antimicrobial potency, durability, and excellent biocompatibility, positioning them as promising candidates for long-term protection against microbial contamination. However, additional in vitro and pre-clinical studies are warranted to thoroughly evaluate their therapeutic potential and to establish their efficacy and safety for clinical applications in the prevention of peri-implant infections.

Cannabidiol (CBD), isolated from the Cannabis plant, has been gaining increased attention in recreational purposes but has been less explored for applications in dentistry. CBD has shown to be effective against many strains of oral bacteria. Bacteria-associated denture infections is a recurring disease affecting most denture wearers. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) remains the main material employed in the fabrication of dentures due to its desirable physical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties. However, the improvement of its antimicrobial properties remains a challenge. To address this need, we have developed a denture surface synthesized from PMMA loaded with CBD nanoparticles for bactericidal effects. The antimicrobial agent CBD was purified, and then synthesized into denture coatings by UV curing and the curing time being investigated. The coatings were characterized by 1H NMR, SEM and FTIR spectroscopies. The antimicrobial activity of the CBD was evaluated before synthesizing it into the PMMA material on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and S. agalactiae. Anti biofilm studies were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and S. agalactiae biofilms. Dissolution and leaching studies of the synthesized coatings were conducted to determine the release pattern of CBD molecules from the coatings. The results showed that CBD exhibited a significant bactericidal effect on gram positive bacteria with the MIC value of 2- 2.5 µg/mL and MBC of 10- 20 µg/mL but remained was ineffective on planktonic gram -negative bacteria. The results for biofilms studies showed a significant reduction in the biofilm formation in the CBD added coatings as compared to only PMMA coatings. The PMMA/CBD coatings significantly reduced 99 % of biofilm growth not only in gram-positive but also in gram-negative as well. The coated MMA/CBD surface has antifouling properties which targets adhesin proteins and blocked biofilm formation. The CBD molecule leached out to the bacteria and disrupted bacterial cytoplasmic cell walls causing cell lysis. The effectiveness of such antimicrobial agents in coatings relies on the drug dissolving in the fluids prior to absorption into the systemic circulation. The rate of dissolution of the CBD from the coating is crucial and the experimental results show excellent release of CBD molecules in vitro. This study showed that CBD can be incorporated into denture materials, enabling antibiotic-free dentures for preventing dental biofilms and reducing dental plaques.

Research background. Herbal antimicrobials exist in plants and their derived compounds. One such compound is cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the plant, Cannabis Sativa, also referred to as hemp or marijuana, has drawn interest for its alleged antibacterial and antioxidant abilities. With the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance and the desire to reduce antibiotics in the food industry, researchers are exploring the potential of cannabinoids as an alternative antimicrobial agent. The use of cannabidiol (CBD) in food and beverage products is a growing trend, it is also important for manufacturers to approach this new area with more studies. Milk is a key component in the production of most dairy produce. The products made from milk usually undergo various processes such as pasteurization, fermentation, curdling, and aging to create the final product. This study aims to examine the potential of CBD isolate as a antimicrobial agent which can be used in dairy products to reduce microbial growth and extend their shelf life. Experimental approach. This paper investigated the antilmicrobial properties of CBD against L. monocytogenes in milk as the key solvent to perform studies. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CBD in TSB was carried out at 37 °C in 24 h. CBD’s antilisterial activity was found for whole milk and skim milk at 4°C for 3 days by analyzing their respective growth and kill curves. Results and conclusions Both the MIC and MBC for L. monocytogenes was found to be 2 µg/mL measured by dilution series and plating, respectively. CBD significantly slowed the growth of listeria populations in milk but its effectiveness of CBD was dependant on the fat content of milk. In this paper, we have discussed the potential for using and improving CBD as a preservative to combat L. monocytogenes in dairy products that use milk as a primary ingredient.