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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.
Given emerging evidence of MP accumulation in vital organs (e.g., heart, brain, bone marrow) and their documented health risks, yet oral cavity-specific exposure and cellular impacts remain uncharacterized, this study aims to investigate microplastic (MP) exposure levels in dental calculus and evaluate their potential effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The specific objectives of this project are i) characterizing alterations in the surface morphology, chemical composition and size distribution of MPs from human dental calculus by Laser Direct lnfrared lmaging (LDlR), ii) elucidating the toxic mechanisms of MPs exposure on human gingival fibroblasts through cytotoxicity tests, scratch assay, apoptosis assay, quantitative polymerase chainreaction (qPCR), and western blotting (WB) MPs were detected in all samples, with an average concentration of 3642 particles/g. Twenty-four types of microplastics wereidentified and the five most common detected polymer types are Polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane(PU), fuororubber(FLU) and ethviene acrylic acid (EAA). Exposure of HGF to MP resulted in decreased cell viability, reduced migratory, andincreased apoptotic rate. Therefore, this study provides evidence that MP can reside persistently in the oral environment, posing potential risks to oral health
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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.
Micro/Nanoplastics and Periodontitis: An Environmental Microbiology Perspective on Oral Retention and Systemic Risk
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Researchers reviewed evidence through a three-tier evidentiary framework and found that human dental calculus harbors at least 26 microplastic types — dominated by polyamide and polyethylene — where polyethylene induces cytotoxicity and NF-κB-driven inflammation in gingival fibroblasts, suggesting the periodontal pocket may act as a particle-retention niche that amplifies systemic inflammatory risk.
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
What every dentist needs to know about microplastics and dental materials.
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This review outlined how common dental products — including toothpastes, composites, orthodontic appliances, and floss — contain or generate microplastics through degradation and use, and summarized the health risks from exposure via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact.
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.
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