Applications of biosurfactants in dentistry

Biosurfactants are naturally produced surfactants. They have developed their applications in many fields including dentistry due to their surface-active properties, antiadhesive, nontoxic, and biodegradable nature, the potential to increase bioavailability, change surface energies, and antimicrobial action. The following chapter begins with the introduction to biosurfactants and covers their biomedical applications and in various aspects of dentistry like oral hygiene, cleaning, abrasiveness, removal of dental plaque, and biofilms. A thorough description of biosurfactant strains of lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, endophytes, Candida lipolytica, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus are discussed. It also illustrates how biosurfactants can be used in the production of mouthwashes and toothpastes. Due to the increasing attention of biosurfactants in industrial applications, the advantages of using biocompatible surfactants over chemical surfactants are provided. This discussion thus also indicates the significant potential of biosurfactants for their therapeutic and cosmetic applications, particularly in dentistry.