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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.
The oral cavity, the gateway to the digestive system, represents a critical entrance for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) to enter the human body. Few studies have assessed the long-term accumulation of MNPs in the oral cavity and their potential harm to resident cells. This study investigated the presence of MNPs in human dental calculus and evaluated the cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of polyethylene (PE) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Twenty-six types of microplastics were identified in human dental calculus, with polyamide (PA, 41.4 %), PE (32.7 %), and polyurethane (PU, 7 %) emerging as the predominant components. In vitro experiments revealed that PE-MNPs significantly reduced HGFs' viability, increased apoptosis rates, and impaired cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PE-MNPs exposure activated the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6), as evidenced by elevated phosphorylation of NF-κB. This study revealed that MNPs persistently accumulate in the oral cavity, potentially driving chronic inflammatory activation in gingival fibroblasts and compromising tissue repair mechanisms.
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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.
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.
Periodontal Disease, Chronic Silent Inflammation, and Micro/Nanoplastics: An Environmental Microbiology Review of Oral Biofilm Retention, Dysbiosis, and Systemic Risk Pathways
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This research developed cassava starch-based bioplastics, evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation properties of starch-composite materials as alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived plastics. The study demonstrates that cassava starch can serve as a viable raw material for biodegradable packaging applications in tropical regions.
Micro- and nanoplastics in periodontitis: mechanistic pathways and clinical implications
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Tiny plastic particles from water, food, and even toothpaste may be doing more than just floating around your mouth, this review of existing research suggests they could worsen gum disease by fueling inflammation, disrupting the balance of oral bacteria, and interfering with how your body repairs bone and tissue. The evidence so far comes mostly from lab studies, not large human trials, so microplastics shouldn't be seen as a proven cause of gum disease, but they're a plausible piece of the puzzle worth watching, especially since periodontitis is linked to broader health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental validation to elucidate mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics inducing periodontitis
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Researchers combined computational biology, machine learning, and laboratory experiments to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics might contribute to periodontitis, a common gum disease. They identified key molecular targets and signaling pathways through which microplastics could promote gum tissue inflammation. The study provides the first evidence linking microplastic exposure to the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease.
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