Periodontitis is a common
infectious disease characterized by loss of tooth-supporting structures, which eventually leads to
tooth loss. The heavy burden of
periodontal disease and its negative consequence on the patient's quality of life indicate a strong need for developing effective
therapies. According to the World Health Organization, 10⁻15% of the global population suffers from severe
periodontitis. Advances in understanding the etiology, epidemiology and microbiology of
periodontal pocket flora have called for antibacterial therapeutic strategies for
periodontitis treatment. Currently, antimicrobial strategies combining with
polymer science have attracted tremendous interest in the last decade. This review focuses on the state of the art of antibacterial
polymer application against periodontal pathogens and biofilms. The first part focuses on the different polymeric materials serving as
antibacterial agents,
drug carriers and periodontal barrier membranes to inhibit periodontal pathogens. The second part reviews cutting-edge research on the synthesis and evaluation of a new generation of bioactive dental
polymers for Class-V restorations with
therapeutic effects. They possess antibacterial,
acid-reduction,
protein-repellent, and remineralization capabilities. In addition, the antibacterial
photodynamic therapy with polymeric materials against periodontal pathogens and biofilms is also briefly described in the third part. These novel bioactive and therapeutic polymeric materials and treatment methods have great potential to inhibit
periodontitis and protect tooth structures.