What every dentist needs to know about microplastics and dental materials

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.