Evidence of Enamel Damage from BPA Exposure

Over the last few years we have been hearing more about the effects and prevalence of BPA (bisphenol A).  It looks as though teeth may be the latest victims.  A research team led by Ariane Berdal of the Universite Paris-Diderot and Sylvie Babajko has shown that the teeth of rats were damaged with low daily doses of BPA.

In this study, the scientists found that regular exposure to BPA caused the incisors of rats to become more fragile and likely to become damaged. And they determined that the affect on the animals’ teeth was similar to the condition known as Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, where children’s teeth become hypersensitive and more susceptible to cavities. The first years of life, when teeth form, is also when humans have been found to be most sensitive to the effects of BPA.

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical compound used in the composition of plastics and resins. It is used for example to manufacture food containers such as bottles or babies’ bottles. It is also used for the protective films inside drinks cans and food tins, or as developers on sales receipts. Significant amounts of BPA have also been found in human blood, urine, amniotic liquid and placentas. Recent studies have shown that this industrial compound has adverse effects on the reproduction, development and metabolism of laboratory animals. It is strongly suspected of having the same effects on humans.

BPA tends to be present in hard clear plastic materials. To minimize exposure, select containers that are marked BPA free as well as;

• Replace pre-2011 baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles and other hard, clear plastic food storage containers.
• Throw away cracked or scratched plastic containers. Recycle them if possible (ask your local recycling program) or put them in garbage.
• Use glass or unlined stainless steel water bottles.
• Keep plastic containers labeled with a 1, 2 or 5; they do not contain BPA or other plastic chemicals of concern.
• Dispose of plastic containers labeled with a 7 inside the recycle symbol. Although not all 7 plastics contain BPA, it’s not easy to tell which contain BPA and which don’t.

Sources: The American Journal of Pathology, Washington State Dept of Health.

Dr. Jeffrey Samyn
Northshore Endodontics
Specialty Care Rooted in Compassion
Northshore-endo.com