Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Dental Sealants, Composites and Bisphenol A

Hi everyone,

Got this in the ol' email box from the ADA (American Dental Association) concerning the safety of sealants and composites:

The safety of bisphenol A (BPA) has been called into question in recent media coverage. BPA is a chemical found in many hard plastics and used in resins that line food and beverage cans. Although some believe BPA is an ingredient in dental sealants and composites, it isn’t, although there’s some evidence that some dental sealants and to a lesser extent composites may contribute to low-level BPA exposure, probably through the action of salivary enzymes on a minor ingredient. We see no cause for concern at this time but do look forward to the results of a review of a draft report on BPA safety by an independent NIH panel of endocrinologists, statisticians and biologists. The panel evaluated more than 500 scientific studies and was unable to reach a conclusion so the report isn’t expected to be finalized for at least several weeks. The panel has no regulatory authority, and the findings aren’t binding. We’ve posted a press statement about BPA on ADA.org and will continue to keep the profession informed.

Source: The American Dental Association email (ADA Update April 3/07)

Take care,

Hans


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100