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Current status of potential bisphenol toxicity in dentistry
Daniel E Myers1, Reinhold J Hutz
1Dental Associates Ltd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
General Dentistry
|September 10, 2011
Summary
Bisphenols, found in dental materials, can mimic estrogen and potentially cause health issues. Current research focuses on food product safety, with no specific concerns raised for dental bisphenol exposure.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bisphenols are chemical compounds present in dental composites and sealants.
- These compounds exhibit estrogenic activity, mimicking the hormone estrogen.
- Estrogenic activity is associated with various health concerns, including cancers and reproductive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the known estrogenic activity of bisphenols.
- To review the current understanding of bisphenol toxicity and associated health risks.
- To highlight the disparity in regulatory attention between food-related and dental bisphenol exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bisphenol compounds and their biological activities.
- Analysis of reports and statements from regulatory bodies like the FDA.
- Comparison of health concerns related to bisphenols in food versus dental materials.
Main Results:
- Bisphenols possess the capacity to mimic estrogen, potentially impacting health.
- Health issues linked to estrogenic activity include cancers, metabolic disorders, and reproductive problems.
- While the FDA has expressed concerns regarding bisphenols in food, no similar concerns exist for dental materials.
Conclusions:
- Bisphenols in dental materials warrant further investigation due to their estrogenic properties.
- Regulatory bodies have not yet addressed potential risks of bisphenols in dental applications.
- Continued research is crucial to understand and mitigate potential health effects from dental bisphenol exposure.
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