Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were incorporated into TiO₂ nanorods (TiO₂ NR) by hydrothermal treatment to prevent bacterial infections of Ti implants. The successful preparation of TiO₂ NR doped with GQDs on Ti was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Results showed that the mean diameter of the nanorod was 60 nm, and the hydrophilicity was significantly improved. The GQDs-modified TiO₂ NR showed excellent antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans with an efficiency of 97.8% due to the combined effect of GQDs and nanorod structure. Moreover, GQDs-modified TiO₂ NR exhibited good biocompatibility and osteogenetic potency for cell spreading, thus contributing to the new bone formation even in bacteria-induced implant infection.