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Dental resin composites generate microparticles and impact on gingival keratinocytes—In vitro study
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When dentists shape or polish tooth-colored fillings, tiny plastic particles break off and can stick to the gum cells lining your mouth. In lab tests, these particles didn't kill the cells, but they did trigger an inflammatory response, suggesting your gums may react to this everyday dental debris even if it's not immediately harmful. More research is needed to know if this matters for long-term oral health, but it's a reminder that microplastics from common dental work are yet another source of plastic exposure worth studying.
Along with our increased understanding of the spread of microplastic pollution, the awareness of microparticle release from medical and dental materials has increased. Still, their effects on human health are largely unknown. As the use of resin composite materials in dentistry continues to increase, it is essential to understand the formation and biological activities of microparticles generated during material fabrication and use. This study investigated the type and size of microparticles formed from two commonly used restorative resin composite materials, ground with two different dental burs, and their effects on cultured spontaneously immortalized human gingival keratinocytes. Scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction were used to examine particle morphology and size distribution. Flow cytometry was used to analyze microparticle adhesion to the cell surface and cell viability, and cytokine release was measured. From the two composite materials, microparticles ranging from approximately 4.50 to 137 µm were released. The particles adhered to gingival keratinocytes and induced IL-8 expression of the cells but did not affect the cell viability. The grinding method and the material affected the size of released particles. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of cellular responses and the dose dependence of the reactions.
More Papers Like This
Micro and nanoplastics in dentistry: emerging sources, health implications, and mitigation pathways: a narrative review.
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This review of existing research found that common dental materials and oral care products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental fillings can release tiny plastic particles called microplastics into your mouth. Lab studies suggest these particles might cause inflammation and cell damage when they build up in mouth tissues, though scientists haven't yet proven they cause actual health problems in people. The good news is that dentists and patients can reduce exposure by using better suction systems during procedures and choosing oral care products that shed fewer plastic particles.
Dental Calculus Microplastics: Exposure Assessment And Cytotoxicity On Gingival Fibroblasts
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Researchers detected microplastics in dental calculus — the hardened plaque that builds up on teeth — at an average of over 3,600 particles per gram, with polyamide and polyethylene among the most common types. Exposing gum cells to these particles reduced their viability and triggered cell death, suggesting microplastics accumulate in the mouth and may harm oral tissues.
Polyethylene: an identified component of human dental calculus triggers cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses in gingival fibroblasts
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Researchers identified 26 types of microplastics in human dental calculus, with polyamide, polyethylene, and polyurethane as the most prevalent. Laboratory experiments showed that polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics reduced gingival cell viability, increased cell death, impaired cell migration, and activated inflammatory signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that microplastics accumulate in the oral cavity over time and may drive chronic inflammation in gum tissue.
The peril of microplastics and nanoplastics on periodontal tissue
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Tiny plastic particles from our environment, called microplastics and nanoplastics, can end up in your mouth through the food you eat, the air you breathe, and everyday contact, and this review of existing research suggests they may settle into your gums and contribute to gum disease. Scientists think these plastic particles could damage gum tissue, disrupt the balance of bacteria in your mouth, trigger inflammation, and interfere with the bone that holds your teeth in place. While more research is needed to confirm exactly how big a role plastics play, this adds gum health to the growing list of reasons to be concerned about our daily plastic exposure
Microplastics (MPs) as a Systemic Hazard: Unveiling the Potential Link to Oral Inflammation through Shared Inflammatory Pathways and the Oral-Intestinal Axis.
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Tiny plastic particles that get into our bodies through food, water, and air may do more than just travel through our blood and organs—this review of existing research suggests they could also trigger inflammation that harms our gums and mouth. While no one has directly proven microplastics cause oral diseases like gum disease or mouth sores, the same inflammatory pathways in the body that these plastics activate are also seen in these conditions, and a connection between gut and oral health could make things worse. It's an early theoretical case for taking a closer look at how the plastic we're exposed to daily might quietly affect our oral health, not just our internal organs.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.