From plastic in water bottles to other chemicals used for packaging food, it’s nearly impossible to escape from chemicals like BPA and vinclozolin. These commonly used chemicals have been a topic of debate for some time. In fact, there have been countless studies to look at the effects of these chemicals on the human body and the environment. BPA, in particular, is a chemical that has been found to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see how these chemicals can affect all aspects of human health. A recent study found that these food packaging chemicals can have an effect on children’s teeth as well. It can interfere with the growth of dental enamel, which will set the child up for oral health problems in the future. Some of these problems can include tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Our dental implant patients here in Fort Worth know just how important it is to take care of your natural teeth. One of the best ways to take care of your teeth is to be aware of the potential dangers that can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems. To explain more on this subject, dental implant provider, Dr. Ray Snider gives his readers here in Fort Worth, TX a look at the dangers of food packaging chemicals for oral health.
What is BPA and Vinclozolin?
Before we get into the harmful effects of BPA for oral health, let’s look at some background information about this chemical. BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is one of the most common chemicals used for making plastics. In 2012, it’s estimated that approximately 10 billion pounds of BPA were produced worldwide. This material is so heavily used because it’s cheap to produce and is an excellent option for creating plastics that can resist hot and cool temperatures. In 2013, it’s estimated that the value market for BPA was more than $13 billion with an expected increase of 5% each year.
BPA was first created by a Russian chemist in 1891. It wasn’t until years later that researchers discovered BPA had a similar effect as estrogen in the body. Some researchers even suggested the use of BPA as an artificial estrogen in the 1930s. While BPA is a cheap chemical for the mass production of plastics, there are many concerns about how it can affect the human body. Some side-effects suggested include:
- Increased risk of obesity
- Prostate cancer cell stimulation
- Altered immune function
- Effects on reproductive hormones and fertility
- Structural damage to brain
On the other hand, vinclozolin is a dicarboximide fungicide used to control rots and molds. Like BPA, this chemical has been linked to several health problems. Studies in rats have found that exposure to vinclozolin can lead to progesterone and estrogen effects, transgenerational effects, and antiandrogenic activity.
Oral Health Effects of Packaging Chemicals
Along with the several overall health effects of these chemicals, a recent study has shown that they can have an effect on oral health. A study presented at the 2016 European Congress of Endocrinology found that these two chemicals act as endocrine disruptors. So, what does this have to do with oral health? Endocrine disrupters are related to molar incisor hypomineralization, which affects up to 18% of kids between 6-9 years old. This condition affects the enamel development of the first permanent teeth.
Researchers experimented by exposing rats to BPA or BPA along with vinclozolin from birth to 30 days after. After 30 days, researchers found that the chemicals altered the expression of two genes, which are responsible to the regulation of tooth enamel mineralization. Tooth enamel is absolutely vital to a healthy smile because it protects your teeth against tooth decay and the daily wear-and-tear we put on them through biting and chewing. Weakened enamel can result in a high risk for tooth decay, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and ultimately, tooth loss.
Contact our Office in Fort Worth
More research needs to be completed before we make conclusions about these chemicals but it’s safe to say that they certainly have an effect on oral health. We strongly encourage our patients to educate themselves on the importance and proper care for oral health. Tooth loss can especially be a damaging factor to address for the health of your smile. If you’re currently dealing with tooth loss, we provide high-quality dental implants to restore your smile. Are you ready to start dental implant treatment? Contact our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation with Dr. Snider!