There are many alarming concerns about the health problems caused by Bisphenol A (BPA). It is a chemical present on many items which is used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that are usually used in dental sealants and composites.
BPA, like mentioned earlier, is present in many plastics and resins that produce product. This ranges from baby bottles, protective films of tin cans and beverages, along with other plastic materials that humans use almost every day. This industrial compound has been found on traces of blood, urine, amniotic fluid, and placentas which affects the reproduction, development and other normal body functions like metabolism. The adverse effects caused by BPA is said to be caused by its ability to mimic the hormone estrogen.
Your dental health is not excused as some dental resins and composite fillings have this chemical. Here are some effects of BPA on your dental health.
Effects on Dental Pulp. BPA can trigger cytotoxic effects and other pathologies as it is administered in dental work. Even small amounts or doses can be absorbed immediately by oral tissues. The presence of BPA in your saliva and sweat right after dental fillings with this chemical induce adverse effects on your health.
Analysis showcased several characteristics of tooth enamel pathology called as MIH (Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation) that affects your first molars and permanent incisors. This particular pathology is present in almost 18% of children between 6-8 years old. Children affected by this pathology present with teeth that are hypersensitive to pain and liable to cavities. This is interesting because teeth are formed (the first years of life) during the period wherein individuals are bisphenol A sensitive.
Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). This disorder involves the first permanent molars of the upper and lower jaw including the upper incisors. Patients with this disorder experience yellowish white discoloration to brown discoloration of some parts of their teeth or the whole tooth. The hypomineralisation of your tooth’s enamel makes your tooth calcium levels very low. The ameloblasts that are responsible for your enamel’s formation are partially and irreversibly damaged. The patients are highly sensitive to low and high temperatures. Dental appointments can get painful for these patients as the heightened sensitivity to physical and chemical factors can’t be managed even with the use of anesthesia. Children affected with this disorder suffer the most as their dental visits are more painful than the normal.
Scientists are continuing their studies on the effects of BPA on the molecular level as far as enamel destruction is concerned. The best thing to do is to make sure and check the labels of plastic materials and dental fillings or resins used by your dentist. There are still no ways to reverse the health implications of BPA. Always keep a healthy and balanced diet, good dental hygiene, and regular visits with your dental practitioner to avoid emergency dental offices. This improves early diagnosis and immediate management of the harmful effects of BPA.