The Mechanism and Application of Glutathione in the Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries

Authors

  • Pingyuan Ma
  • Guoliang Kan
  • Zhijia Liu
  • Zhenze Liu
  • Jingwen Sun
  • Qing Dong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/ew4gg713

Keywords:

Glutathione, Dental Caries, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant, Oral Microbiota

Abstract

Dental caries, as one of the three major chronic diseases worldwide, is closely associated with oxidative-antioxidative imbalance in the oral cavity. Glutathione (GSH), a crucial endogenous antioxidant in the oral environment, plays a dual role in caries development through scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating immune microenvironment, and influencing cariogenic biofilm formation. This review systematically examines the molecular mechanisms of GSH and its complex relationship with dental caries, including the controversial correlation between salivary GSH levels and caries activity, as well as the role of GSH-related enzymes in caries progression. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which Streptococcus mutans enhances oxidative stress tolerance through GSH metabolism, and analyze the therapeutic potential of GSH in caries management, particularly its combined use with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to reduce tooth discoloration while enhancing antibacterial efficacy. GSH-mediated regulation of oxidative stress, cariogenic virulence, and remineralization processes offers novel insights for caries prevention and treatment. Future multicenter clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the dynamic changes of GSH and develop precision anti-caries strategies based on oxidative stress modulation.

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Published

27-11-2025

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Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

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