Dentacin: A Trojan-Sugar Hypothesis for Selective Eradication of Streptococcus mutans Within Dentinal Tubules While Preserving Pulp Vitality

Root canal treatment remains the standard intervention when dental caries reaches the pulp, yet it irreversibly eliminates pulp vitality. This paper proposes Dentacin — a calcium-functionalized sucrose-Piceatannol ester nanoparticle — designed to selectively eradicate Streptococcus mutans within dentinal tubules through five sequential mechanistic pathways, while preserving the dental pulp entirely. Each pathway is individually supported by existing scientific evidence. A four-phase experimental roadmap is proposed to guide translation from hypothesis to clinical application.