Dental composite restorations and psychosocial function in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric dentistry
• Dental materials science
• Child psychology

Background:

• Resin-based dental materials can release chemical components, including bisphenol A, intraorally.
• Previous studies indicated potential links between dental materials and child development.
• The New England Children's Amalgam Trial provided a foundation for investigating composite exposure effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between greater exposure to dental composites and psychosocial problems in children.
• To compare the psychosocial outcomes of children receiving different dental restoration materials.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the New England Children's Amalgam Trial, a randomized safety trial.
• Comparison of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (bisGMA)-based composites and urethane dimethacrylate-based compomers against amalgam.
• Assessment of psychosocial function using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-SR) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Main Results:

• Higher cumulative exposure to bisGMA-based composites correlated with poorer scores on BASC-SR scales (Emotional Symptoms, Clinical Maladjustment, Personal Adjustment).
• Associations were stronger for posterior-occlusal surfaces, suggesting material degradation plays a role.
• Increased exposure to bisGMA-based composites was linked to higher rates of at-risk or clinically significant scores on CBCL Total Problem Behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Greater exposure to bisGMA-based dental composites is associated with impaired psychosocial function in children.
• No adverse psychosocial outcomes were observed with increased exposure to urethane dimethacrylate-based compomers or amalgam.
• The findings suggest a need for further research into the long-term psychosocial effects of dental composite materials.