Therapeutic and preventive approaches to protecting dental hard tissues and periodontal tissues from non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation: a review

Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields — from extremely low-frequency power lines to radiofrequency emissions from mobile devices and Wi-Fi — create a steadily increasing environmental background that also affects the oral cavity. Over the past decade, evidence has accumulated showing that such exposure is not biologically neutral: in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated reductions in enamel microhardness, initiation of oxidative stress in saliva, corrosion of dental alloys, and disturbances of periodontal homeostasis. However, current clinical guidelines for caries and periodontal disease prevention scarcely account for electromagnetic exposure as a contributing factor. This review summarizes 25 studies published between 2011 and 2025, integrating disparate findings into a unified concept of multilevel protection of the dental hard tissues and periodontium.

For the first time, a comparative effectiveness matrix is proposed in which remineralizing agents (fluoride, calcium-phosphate, nanohydroxyapatite) and antioxidants (melatonin, vitamin C) are evaluated alongside physical methods such as photobiomodulation, Nd:YAG laser treatment, pulsed electromagnetic fields, and shielding coatings. Data analysis indicates that chemical remineralization restores enamel microhardness up to 96% of baseline, while antioxidant therapy reduces salivary lipid peroxidation markers by nearly 40%. Light-based protocols (LED and laser) decrease probing pocket depth by an average of 1.2 mm, whereas local pulsed electromagnetic field exposure accelerates early implant osseointegration and reduces orthodontic relapse.

The uniqueness of this review lies in its integrative interpretation of findings: molecular mechanisms of damage (oxidative stress, demineralization, inflammation) are correlated with the evidence base of preventive strategies, forming a practical algorithm suitable for integration into dental care standards.

Special attention is given to children and adolescents, whose developing enamel absorbs more radiofrequency energy, an aspect rarely addressed in prior reviews.

Finally, the review outlines priority areas for future research: standardization of electromagnetic field dosimetry, long-term randomized clinical trials of combined strategies, and clinical validation of barrier materials. Thus, this review not only systematizes existing approaches but also provides a practical roadmap for mitigating electromagnetic field–induced mineralization defects and inflammatory changes of dental hard tissues and periodontal tissues in the era of ubiquitous digitalization.