Formaldehyde in dentistry: a review for the millennium

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Toxicology
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Formaldehyde is a chemical compound with a history of use in various dental applications.
• Concerns regarding formaldehyde's potential health risks, including mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, have been raised.
• The use of formocresol, a formaldehyde-releasing agent, remains a subject of controversy in dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical use of formaldehyde in dentistry.
• To examine research on formaldehyde's mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, including studies outside of dental literature.
• To discuss the ongoing controversies surrounding formocresol use in light of scientific evidence.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical dental practices involving formaldehyde.
• Inclusion of toxicological studies on formaldehyde's mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.
• Analysis of research highlighting the adverse effects of formocresol.

Main Results:

• Formaldehyde has been historically employed in various dental procedures.
• Extensive research indicates that formaldehyde possesses mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.
• Significant evidence points to deleterious effects associated with formocresol use.

Conclusions:

• The use of formaldehyde in dentistry warrants careful consideration due to its toxicological profile.
• The continued use of formocresol is contentious, given the substantial body of research demonstrating its harmful impacts.
• Further evaluation of safer alternatives in dental applications of formaldehyde is recommended.