Dr. Jonathan Richter DDS, FAGD
BPA, otherwise known as bisphenol A, has been present in many consumer plastic products and food processing since the 1960s. Numerous studies have indicated that BPA may be harmful to our health. BPA began being removed from hard plastic and metal cans, and, in 2012, in response to a petition from the American Chemistry Council, the FDA removed BPA as an additive in baby bottles and spill-proof cups. Did you know that low-level BPA exposure can occur when dental materials that are used to treat and prevent caries are used. This exposure threat exists over a few hours after the placement.
BPA can be found in dental composites and sealants. In 2008, a report prepared by the National Toxicology Program, “Exposure to BPA occurs with the use of dental sealants containing BPA dimethacrylate.” While it is unknown what the risk to a patient’s overall health is by using sealants that contain BPA, there is evidence that there is a need to avoid, where possible, further exposure. Dentists should continue to look to use BPA-free dental products, where applicable, for the overall systemic health of the patient.
Source: Dr. Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, is a dentist at Cardiodontal, located at 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck. Cardiodontal prides itself in its use of BPA-free dental products. Call 516-282-0310 for an appointment.
