IMP164 - Microplastics and Their Role in Dentistry-Article

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The article examines growing concern about microplastics and their relevance to dentistry. Microplastics and nanoplastics, created as larger plastics break down, are now found in human stool, placentas, saliva, soil, water, and air. Research is exploring possible links to respiratory, digestive, reproductive, inflammatory, and even cancer-related effects, though long-term health data remain limited and inconclusive.<br /><br />In dentistry, many common products and procedures may contribute to microplastic exposure, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, orthodontic aligners and retainers, fillings, sealants, denture materials, and aerosols generated during treatment. Experts emphasize that patients should not avoid dental care, because the risks of untreated dental disease outweigh potential microplastic exposure.<br /><br />The article highlights research led by Lisa D’Affronte, DDS, and orthodontist Adith Venugopal, BDS, MS, PhD, who raised the question of whether aligners and retainers may leach microplastics over time. Venugopal’s team is now studying plastic ingestion from orthodontic appliances and where those particles travel in the body.<br /><br />The piece also discusses specific concerns about polyethylene in toothbrushes and aligners, PFAS in some floss products, and the breakdown of resin-based dental materials through saliva, chewing, and temperature and pH changes. Environmental exposure from food, water, and waste is likely much larger than exposure from dentistry alone, but dental offices can still reduce their footprint through proper waste disposal, reusable or biodegradable supplies, microbead-free toothpaste, and improved staff and patient education.<br /><br />Overall, the article calls for more research and better waste management, framing dental sustainability as both a health and ethical issue.

Keywords

microplastics

nanoplastics

dentistry

orthodontic aligners

toothbrushes

dental materials

PFAS

dental sustainability

waste management

patient education