a b s t r a c tBacterial adhesion on dental implants may cause peri-implant disease including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis may lead to bone resorption and eventually loss of the implant. Therefore, the factors which influence bacterial adhesion are critical and revealed by many studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of factors influencing the bacteria adhesion, including local factors of implant surface topography, abutment, cement and oral environment factors of saliva and protein. In addition, the corresponding strategies of surface modifications, coatings and challenges for implant materials as prevention and treatment approaches for bacteria adhesion on implant will also be discussed. We expect to give an overall picture of the bacteria adhesion on implant, and provide future perspectives, such as laser therapy, photocatalysis, plasma and bioelectric effect to inspire researchers to explore on this issue.