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What every dentist needs to know about microplastics and dental materials

Lisa C D'Affronte, John K Brooks, Nasir Bashirelahi

    General Dentistry
    |February 27, 2026
    PubMed

    Insights

    Microplastics (MPs) from dental products pose health risks through ingestion and inhalation, potentially affecting multiple organ systems. Further research is needed to manage these pervasive plastic particles and their environmental impact.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Science
    • Toxicology
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles from 1 μm to 5 mm, are increasingly detected in various environmental matrices and human tissues.
    • Sources of MPs are diverse, including consumer goods, industrial processes, and biomedical applications, raising concerns about human health implications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
    • To identify sources of microplastics, with a specific focus on dental products.
    • To discuss human exposure routes and the systemic effects of microplastics.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of scientific studies on microplastics.
    • Analysis of microplastic generation and presence in dental products.
    • Examination of human exposure pathways and toxicological data.

    Main Results:

    • Dental products like toothpastes, toothbrushes, and orthodontic appliances are identified as sources of MPs.
    • Human exposure occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, leading to systemic distribution.
    • MPs can breach biological barriers, causing neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and potential carcinogenesis.

    Conclusions:

    • Dental care practices contribute to microplastic pollution and pose potential health risks.
    • Continued research is crucial to understand and mitigate the health and environmental impacts of microplastics.
    • Emerging solutions like biodegradable materials and improved waste management require further investigation.
    Keywords:
    dental productshealth concernsmicroplastics

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