Recent state and national news reports have indicated the potential danger Bisphenol A (BPA) can have on human development and reproduction.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used chemical essential for the manufacture of certain plastic materials. BPA can be found in some children’s toys, plastic tableware, infant bottles and other products. There is evidence from laboratory testing that BPA may affect reproduction and development in animals by mimicking the effects of estrogen. To date, researchers have not observed ill effects from Bisphenol A in humans, and there is debate over the level of exposure that might pose a risk.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is interested in and supports BPA research because some dental sealants, and to a lesser extent dental composite resin filling materials, may contribute to low-level BPA exposure. These types of materials are professional dental products that are subject to clearance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA has concluded, “Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects.”

In September 2008, a report on BPA from the interagency National Toxicology Program, stated:

“The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure.”

BPA may become part of dental sealants or composite resin filling materials in three ways: as a direct ingredient, as a by-product of some ingredients in dental composites or sealants that may have degraded, or as a trace material left-over from the manufacture of some ingredients used in making dental composites or sealants.

Dental sealants and composite resin filling materials provide significant benefits in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, the infectious disease that causes cavities. Sealants help to prevent cavities and they can also stop the progress of very early caries. Composite resin materials are tooth-colored fillings that provide cosmetic benefits but they also allow dentists to treat teeth more conservatively (removing less natural tooth material) than may be needed for other types of filling materials.

 

Additional references

American Dental Association
View the ADA’s complete position statement on this issue.

Ultradent
Manufacturer of dental sealants clarifies the difference between BPA and bis-GMA.