As a health-conscious individual, you care about what goes in your mouth. This holds true not only when you are choosing what to eat, but also when you are considering dental treatments! Many modern dental restorations look beautiful. However, some of them contain BPA. What exactly is BPA, and why is it better to have restorations that do not contain it? This blog post explains.
What Is BPA?
BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical used to make some plastics and resins. You may hear about it in relation to water bottles, food can linings, receipts, and other everyday products. In dentistry, BPA itself is not usually added as a main ingredient. However, some tooth-colored materials, such as some types of resin that are used to fill cavities, may contain compounds that come from BPA or may release tiny trace amounts after placement.
Health Risks of BPA
BPA has raised concerns because it is an endocrine disruptor. In other words, it can mess with your hormones! Research has linked high levels of exposure with numerous health problems, including metabolic issues, cancer, reproductive problems, and behavioral and neurological conditions.
Dental exposure from resin-based materials is generally small and often temporary. Plus, the human body is pretty good at processing and eliminating BPA. However, continuous exposure to BPA still carries some risks because your body can only handle so much at a time. In fact, over 90% of people have measurable amounts of BPA in their system at any given time!
Indeed, this chemical is in so many products that it is wise to limit exposure whenever possible, and one simple way to do that is by choosing BPA-free dentistry.
How to Find BPA-Free Dental Restorations
If you want BPA-free restorations, start with a direct question at your dental visit: “What materials do you use, and are they BPA-free?” A trustworthy team should be able to identify the brand, composition, and safety profile of each restorative option.
In most cases, holistic dental offices are more likely to favor materials that do not use BPA or any of its derivatives. For example, they may only purchase from brands that produce BPA-free dental resin. Or, in some cases, they may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown made of ceramic. Dental ceramic is highly biocompatible (meaning it works well within the human body) and does not contain any BPA. The best type of restoration for you depends on the type and extent of damage to your teeth.
There is no need to take unnecessary risks with your health when you visit the dentist. Choose a provider who offers BPA-free restoration materials so you can feel good about what goes in your mouth!
Meet the Practice
Dr. John Hamel has more than 40 years of experience in dentistry. He is a proud member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Under his leadership, our team is committed to using biocompatible, non-toxic materials that support our patients’ overall health and wellness. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact Biologic Dentistry in Acworth, GA, at 770-426-9994.