Bisphenol A in dental materials – existence, leakage and biological effects

OBJECTIVE: Recently, questions have been raised concerning the potential endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A (BPA). This substance is a constituent in many different products which we frequently come into contact with, such as food containers and receipts. Resin-based dental filling materials are another source of exposure, although according to previous studies the amount and potential risks are not clear. Thus, the aims of the present study were (1) to identify if direct dental filling materials are liable to leak BPA and (2) to investigate if this leakage could lead to any adverse effects on health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was made with PubMed as the primary source, subsequently complemented with reference tracking. RESULTS: A total of 26 articles were included, 24 of which were used for the first aim (leakage) and 2 for the second aim (health risks). The majority of studies, including all in vivo studies, showed leakage of BPA from dental materials in various amounts and during different time intervals. The findings showed a contradiction in results regarding the connection between dental materials and adverse health effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is leakage of BPA from some dental materials, but critical levels are not evident. Bis-DMA contents might convert to BPA in the oral cavity. There is a contradiction between in vitro and in vivo studies concerning BPA leakage and finally, there is a lack of studies investigating the association between BPA exposure and its adverse effects on human health.