Enamel is composed of numerous uniformly wide, well-oriented hydroxyapatite crystals. It possesses an acellular structure that cannot be repaired after undergoing damage. Therefore, remineralization after enamel defects has become a focal point of research. Hydrogels, which are materials with three-dimensional structures derived from cross-linking polymers, have garnered significant attention in recent studies. Their exceptional properties make them valuable in the application of enamel remineralization. In this review, we summarize the structure and formation of enamel, present the design considerations of hydrogels for enamel remineralization, explore diverse hydrogels types in this context, and finally, shed light on the potential future applications in this field.

Oral cancer represents a critical global health issue, where traditional treatment modalities are often characterized by considerable adverse effects and suboptimal effectiveness. Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers an innovative method for tumor treatment, leveraging photothermal agents to convert light into hyperthermia, ultimately leading to tumor ablation. PTT offers unique advantages in treating oral cancer due to its superficial anatomical location and consequent accessibility to laser irradiation. PTT’s advantage is further enhanced by its capacity to facilitate drug release and promote tissue regeneration. Consequently, the application of PTT for oral cancer has garnered widespread interest and has undergone rapid development. This review outlines advances in PTT for oral cancer, emphasizing strategies to improve efficacy and combination therapy approaches. The key challenges, including temperature control and long-term biosafety, are discussed alongside future directions. The review also encompasses PTT’s role in managing oral potentially malignant disorders and postoperative defects, conditions intimately linked with oral cancer. We aim to provide guidance for emerging PTT research in oral cancer and to promote the development of precise and efficient treatment strategies.