ADA Positions & Statements

Bisphenol A and Dental Sealants, Composite Dental Fillings

CHICAGO (May 12, 2008)—Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in the manufacture of many consumer plastic products. Laboratory testing has suggested that BPA may affect reproduction and development in animals (by mimicking the effects of the female hormone estrogen), raising concerns about its safety. To date, these effects have not been observed in humans.

The food industry uses BPA when manufacturing the epoxy resins that coat cans and polycarbonate bottles intended to hold foods and beverages. Bisphenol A also is found in some children’s toys, plastic tableware and infant bottles. The release of industrial and household wastes into the environment also exposes humans to BPA. Too, there is evidence that some dental sealants, and to a lesser extent dental composites, may contribute to low-level BPA exposure.

The ADA looks to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide scientific guidance on issues that affect the health of Americans. The Association also looks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for advice and recommendations on dental product safety.

The HHS in 2007 stated that, “Dental sealant exposure to bisphenol A occurs primarily with use of dental sealants [containing] bisphenol A dimethacrylate. This exposure is considered an acute and infrequent event with little relevance to estimating general population exposures.”¹

This year the FDA released the following statement, “Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects. However, we will continue to consider new research and information as they become available.”²

The ADA believes any concern about potential BPA exposure from dental composites or sealants is unwarranted at this time. When compared with all other sources of BPA, these dental materials pose significantly lower exposure concerns. The presence of a substance, whether in the environment, human blood or urine samples, does not mean it’s necessarily harmful to human health. That would typically depend on how much of the substance we are exposed to. Almost any substance can have a harmful effect at high doses—even water and vitamins.

The ADA is a professional association of dentists who remain committed to the public’s oral health. As such, we strongly support additional research into human exposure to BPA and any health effects it may cause.

Footnotes

¹Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. National Toxicology Program U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NTP-CERHR Expert Panel Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Bisphenol A. November 26, 2007. (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/BPAFinalEPVF112607.pdf accessed November 30, 2007)

²U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Biphenol A (BPA). (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bpa.html accessed April 30, 2008)

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products.

Page Posted: December 17, 2007