BPA In Dental Filling Poses Danger

The Bisphenol A (BPA) in dental filling could pose a danger to your health, US researchers have found. But they are suggesting continued use of dental sealants as their benefits could far outweigh risks.

BPA, a man-made chemical, is found in a variety of everyday items - and in most humans, according to a new Canadian study. It is used to stiffen plastic bottles, line cans and make smooth paper receipts.

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BPA is classified as a so-called endocrine disruptor. While such chemicals may cause a host of health problems, most of the direct evidence regarding BPA comes from animal studies that don't automatically translate to humans.

Actually dental sealants and fillings don't contain BPA, but many of them contain compounds that turn into BPA on contact with saliva. Sealants are transparent synthetic resins applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars in young children and teenagers as a preventive measure against tooth decay in the occlusal pits and fissures.

Following a query from a mother on the safety of the sealants, pediatric endocrinologist Abby F. Fleisch, MD, and colleagues at the Children's Hospital, Boston, performed an exhaustive review of the scientific evidence. They came to two conclusions:

BPA does indeed form in the mouth after some dental sealants and fillings are applied. BPA can be found in the saliva three hours after dental work is completed. It's not at all clear whether this poses a health risk.

A quick wipe and rinse of the completed dental work vastly decreases whatever risk there might be.

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The researchers note that between 20 percent and 40 percent of U.S. kids have sealants on their teeth, depending on age.

Fleisch and colleagues had hoped to be able to recommend BPA-free brands of dental sealants and composites. But manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the ingredients in their products.

Now BPA in Dental Fillings Raises Concerns
Just when the Bisphenol A in baby bottles controversy was looking settled, a new health concern has been raised in the form of dental fillings.

Moreover, many use little-studied compounds such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) that may or may not pose risks of their own.

Still Fleisch said, "We believe the high preventive benefits of sealants far outweigh the risk. So until the dental industry creates alternative materials, we recommend their continued use...But we do recommend precautionary application techniques."

Researchers suggest gargling for 30 seconds and spitting immediately after the sealant or filling has been placed to get rid of most of the free chemicals. Alternatively, the dentist can rub with pumice on a cotton roll or use an air-water syringe in small children.

"If you spend 30 minutes placing a filling, scrubbing it for 30 seconds more is not going to kill you," Kopycka-Kedzierawski tells WebMD. "I would agree it is something we can do to protect our children."

Fleisch and colleagues report their findings in the Sept. 7 issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Source-Medindia