What parents should know about estrogen-like compounds in dental materials

Pediatr Dent. 2000 Jan-Feb;22(1):75-6.

Abstract

The use of pit and fissure sealants has been reported to increase exposure to xenoestrogens. Because these estrogen-mimics are suspected of having many deleterious effects in animals, and perhaps humans, several types of studies were undertaken by our Biocompatibility Group. We confirmed that bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol A dimethacrylate (BPA-DM) have proliferative effects in cells with high levels of estrogen receptors. However, BPA was not detected by our group in American-made sealants, and BPA-DM was detectable in only a few. In addition, the surface layer of the sealant can be treated to reduce the possibility of unpolymerized BPA-DM being left on the tooth. We believe it is important to reassure parents that their children are less likely to be exposed to BPA from sealants than from the ingestion of soft drinks or canned food.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Biocompatible Materials / analysis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Child
  • Dental Materials / analysis
  • Dental Materials / chemistry*
  • Estradiol Congeners / analysis
  • Estradiol Congeners / chemistry*
  • Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / analysis
  • Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Methacrylates / analysis
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Parents / education*
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Phenols / chemistry
  • Pit and Fissure Sealants / analysis
  • Pit and Fissure Sealants / chemistry

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Dental Materials
  • Estradiol Congeners
  • Estrogens, Non-Steroidal
  • Methacrylates
  • Phenols
  • Pit and Fissure Sealants
  • ethoxylated bis-phenol A dimethacrylate
  • bisphenol A