A sprayable superhydrophobic dental protectant with photo-responsive anti-bacterial, acid-resistant, and anti-fouling functions

Effective dental care can reduce the incidence of oral diseases (dental caries, dentin sensitivity, tooth discoloration, etc.). However, delayed or inappropriate usage of care tools not only fails to eliminate external adverse stimuli, but sometimes even causes dental injury. Inspired by the traditional culture of “lacquer teeth”, a sprayable superhydrophobic protectant (ZFP) composed of ZnO, fluorine modified nano-silica (FSNs), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is constructed similar to automobile wax, for routine dental protection. With its superhydrophobic properties, this protective membrane can effectively resist the adhesion of bacteria, proteins, and food residues to the teeth surface. Meanwhile, ZFP exerts stable superhydrophobic self-cleaning properties under external mechanical stimulation, temperature alternation, and acidic environment. In addition, ZnO in ZFP can significantly restrain the growth of dental caries-related bacteria (Streptococcus mutans), with an enhanced anti-bacterial capacity when combined with yellow light irradiation. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that ZFP is a safe, convenient, and quadruplex-effective dental protectant, which is expected to serve as a promising toothpaste companion for joint maintenance of dental health.