{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,6]],"date-time":"2026-05-06T09:20:01Z","timestamp":1778059201732,"version":"3.51.4"},"reference-count":40,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"8","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,8,5]],"date-time":"2025-08-05T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1754352000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Dentistry Journal"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background\/Objectives: The functionalization of various forms of graphene, such as graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, in biomaterials is a promising strategy in dentistry, particularly regarding their antimicrobial potential. However, conclusive studies on the toxicity and biocompatibility of graphene-based materials remain limited, and standardized guidelines for their production, handling, and dental applications are still lacking. This scoping review aims to map the available studies on various types of graphene, synthesize evidence on their antimicrobial effectiveness, and describe the main biological responses when functionalized in dental biomaterials. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in the Clarivate, PubMed, and Scopus databases using the descriptors as follows: \u2018graphene\u2019 AND \u2018antimicrobial effect\u2019 AND \u2018bactericidal effect\u2019 AND (\u2018graphene oxide\u2019 OR \u2018dental biofilm\u2019 OR \u2018antibacterial properties\u2019 OR \u2018dental materials\u2019). Article screening and eligibility assessment were performed based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: The search identified 793 articles. After removing duplicates, applying the eligibility criteria, and performing a full-text analysis of 64 articles, 21 studies were included in the review. Graphene oxide, particularly at low concentrations, was the most commonly studied graphene variant, demonstrating significant antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans, S. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. Both mechanical and chemical mechanisms have been linked to the biological responses of graphene-doped biomaterials. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these compounds remain controversial, with some studies reporting favorable outcomes, while others raise significant concerns. Conclusions: Graphene shows great promise as an antimicrobial agent in dental biomaterials. Despite encouraging results, more in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to better understand its biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in dental applications. Additionally, standardized production protocols, clearly defined clinical applications in dentistry, and regulatory guidelines from the World Health Organization concerning handling procedures and occupational risks remain necessary.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/dj13080355","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,8,5]],"date-time":"2025-08-05T14:23:19Z","timestamp":1754403799000},"page":"355","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":4,"title":["Antimicrobial Effect of Graphene in Dentistry: A Scoping Review"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Ricardo","family":"Martuci","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculdade de Medicina Dent\u00e1ria, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal"}]},{"given":"Susana Jo\u00e3o","family":"Oliveira","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculdade de Medicina Dent\u00e1ria, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal"}]},{"given":"Mateus","family":"Martuci","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Instituto de Engenharia Mec\u00e2nica, Universidade Federal de Itajub\u00e1, Itajub\u00e1 37500-903, Brazil"}]},{"given":"Jos\u00e9","family":"Reis-Campos","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculdade de Medicina Dent\u00e1ria, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal"},{"name":"Instituto de Ci\u00eancia e Inova\u00e7\u00e3o em Engenharia Mec\u00e2nica e Engenharia Industrial (INEGI), Universidade do Porto, Campus da FEUP, R. Dr. Roberto Frias 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8583-8096","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Maria Helena","family":"Figueiral","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculdade de Medicina Dent\u00e1ria, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal"},{"name":"Instituto de Ci\u00eancia e Inova\u00e7\u00e3o em Engenharia Mec\u00e2nica e Engenharia Industrial (INEGI), Universidade do Porto, Campus da FEUP, R. Dr. Roberto Frias 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,8,5]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Eskandari, F., Ghahramani, Y., Abbaszadegan, A., and Gholami, A. (2023). The antimicrobial efficacy of nanographene oxide and double antibiotic paste per se and in combination: Part II. 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