eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Public Health Research 2327-6703 2026-08-24 14 4 125 134 10.12691/ajphr-14-4-7 AJPHR20261447 article Dr. Mariam Muneer 1 Dr Urmi Reshamdalal urmireshamdalal24@gmail.com 2 Dr. Vikram Shad 3 Dr. Ekta Patel 4 Dr. Zulekha Yasin 5 Dr. Ayesha Aijaz 6 Dr. Sandeep Singh 7 BDS, Master of Philosophy (MPhil Biochemistry), Jinnah Medical and Dental College JMDC (University of Karachi), Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan BDS, Vaidik Dental College and Research Center, Daman, Gujarat, India DMD, MPH, BDS, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA BDS, CRDH, S.J.M Dental College and Hospital, Chuttradurga, Karnataka India BDS, Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan BDS, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, V22W+F2H Rafiqui H.J., Iqbal Shaheed Rd, Karachi, Pakistan BDS, MDS, Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, India Bioactive restorative materials have transformed restorative dentistry by combining structural restoration with therapeutic functions that promote tissue repair and oral health. Unlike conventional restorative materials, these materials actively interact with the surrounding dental tissues through ion release, remineralization, antibacterial activity, and stimulation of dentin¨Cpulp regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of bioactivity, classification of bioactive restorative materials, including glass ionomer cements, calcium silicate-based materials, bioactive composite resins, and bioactive ceramics, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future developments. Current evidence suggests that bioactive restorative materials improve restoration longevity, reduce the risk of secondary caries, and support minimally invasive and regenerative treatment approaches. However, challenges related to long-term clinical evidence, mechanical properties, and cost remain. Future advances in nanotechnology, smart and self-healing materials, artificial intelligence-assisted material selection, and personalized restorative dentistry are expected to further enhance the clinical performance and therapeutic potential of these materials. https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/14/4/7/ajphr-14-4-7.pdf Bioactive restorative materials Remineralization Glass ionomer cement Biodentine Mineral trioxide aggregate Bioactive composites Restorative dentistry