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Dental composites and amalgam and physical development in children
N N Maserejian1, R Hauser, M Tavares
1New England Research Institutes, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. nmaserejian@neriscience.com
Journal of Dental Research
|September 14, 2012
Summary
Dental restorations using composites or amalgam showed no significant impact on children's physical growth over five years. Further research is needed on composite materials and the timing of menarche in girls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Resin-based dental composites may release bisphenol-A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of dental materials on children's growth and development.
- Previous research has not conclusively determined the effects of amalgam versus composite restorations on pediatric physical development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that dental restoration materials (amalgam vs. composites) affect children's physical growth.
- To analyze the 5-year changes in BMI-for-age z-scores, body fat percentage, and height velocity.
- To conduct exploratory analyses on the relationship between dental materials and age at menarche.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical safety trial involving 218 boys and 256 girls aged 6-10 years.
- Children with at least two decayed posterior teeth were randomized to receive amalgam or composite restorations.
- Primary outcomes included 5-year changes in BMI-for-age z-scores, body fat percentage (BF%), and height velocity; exploratory analysis of age at menarche.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in physical development (BF%, BMI-z-score, height velocity) were observed between boys or girls treated with composites versus amalgam.
- Children receiving more treatment on primary teeth showed increased BF% irrespective of material type.
- Girls assigned to composite restorations exhibited a lower risk of menarche during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Dental restoration materials (amalgam and composites) did not significantly affect overall physical development in children over a 5-year period.
- The findings suggest no adverse effects on growth metrics from either material type.
- Further investigation into the potential influence of dental restoration materials on the timing of menarche is warranted.
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