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The oral-systemic interface of micro- and nanoplastics
Ying Li1, Deyu Fan1, Xinlu Bing1
1School of Dentistry, Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues Restoration and Regeneration, Tianjin 300070, China.
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Microplastics and nanoplastics are found in dental products and can harm oral health. These plastic particles may cause oral diseases and spread to other organs, posing a systemic health risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Oral Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are widespread environmental pollutants.
- Their systemic health effects are documented, but oral health impacts are understudied.
- The oral cavity is a key exposure site for MPs/NPs through various products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review oral sources of MPs/NPs.
- To explore potential links between MPs/NPs and oral diseases.
- To summarize mechanisms of MP/NP toxicity in the oral environment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on oral MPs/NPs.
- Analysis of mechanistic studies on particle toxicity.
- Identification of research gaps in oral plastic particle exposure.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous oral sources: toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental materials, prosthetics.
- Linked MPs/NPs to gingivitis, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, oral cancer, xerostomia.
- Mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, immune disruption, microbiome changes.
Conclusions:
- The oral cavity is a critical, yet overlooked, interface for plastic particle exposure.
- MPs/NPs can cause local oral pathology and contribute to systemic diseases.
- Further research is needed on detection, material sustainability, and clinical relevance.
Keywords:
Dental materialsInflammationMicroplasticsNanoplasticsOral exposureOral-systemic interfaceSystemic toxicityMore Related Videos
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