Molar incisor hypomineralization and BPA

By Dr. Maryam Brazdo

Apr 20 2015

Artistic Touch Dentistry knows that parents have long worried about the effects of BPA on children. Now, a tooth enamel abnormality in children–molar incisor hypomineralization–has been shown to result from exposure to the industrial chemical bisphenol A.

BPA is an endocrine disruptor, or hormone-altering chemical, that has been linked to numerous adverse health effects in humans. It appears in many plastic and resin household products and food containers, including until recently baby bottles, sippy cups and infant formula packages. It is now understood that BPA impacts dental enamel, the hard covering that protects teeth. MIH causes white or brown opaque spots on an affected child’s permanent first molars and incisors (the middle four teeth on the top and bottom), which become sensitive, painful and prone to cavities. Recent published data show that MIH affects up to 18 percent of children ages 6 to 9 years. Although the cause is unclear, it appears to have an environmental origin as in BPA exposure, according to the study authors.

If your child has been exposed to BPA and you have questions for your us about molar incisor hypomineralization, contact us today for your next appointment.

Reference:

The Endocrine Society. (2015, March 6). BPA harms dental enamel in young animals, mimicking human tooth defect. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 13, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150306181740.htm