Microplastics in Dentistry—A Review
T. Chandran, Unnikrishnan Vishnu, and A. K. Warrier
Abstract Microplastics in the environment have become a public health concern
over the past few years. Items of toothpaste and composite restorative materials
are the primary dental products that contribute to the microplastic pollution of the
environment. In terms of dental origin, toothpaste containing plastic particles <5 mm,
form the source of primary microplastics. Secondary microplastics are formed from
the resin-based composite restorative materials which degrade within the oral cavity
or may be released during the process of finishing and polishing of restorations. At the
same time, there is minimal awareness amongst the population regarding the use of
microplastics in personal-care products. The prolonged use of toothpaste containing
microbeads can cause abrasion of tooth enamel and dentine. The microbeads can get
entrapped in the gingival sulcus leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. The resinbased composites used as direct restorative materials, pit and fissure sealants and in
CADCAM milling can release monomers like Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate
(Bis-GMA) which is a potent environmental hazard as it gets dumped in the landfill.
Studies have confirmed the damage to aquatic life caused by microplastics which
can lead to the extinction of various aquatic species in future. They also get adsorbed
to biotoxins and through the process of bioaccumulation enter the food chain. A few
countries have enacted legislation which limits the use of microplastics in health
care products. However, many do not impose such strict regulations. Therefore, an
educational and regulatory approach toward the use of microplastics is mandatory
to control the emerging threat of microplastics to the environment. This chapter
is intended to create awareness among the public about the hazardous effects of
microplastics in dental care products and promote insights into policymaking.
T. Chandran
Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS),
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mangalore, India
U. Vishnu (B) · A. K. Warrier
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
e-mail: vishnu.u@manipal.edu
A. K. Warrier
Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
S. S. Muthu (ed.), Microplastic Pollution, Sustainable Textiles: Production, Processing,
Manufacturing & Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0297-9_6
157
T. Chandran, Unnikrishnan Vishnu, and A. K. Warrier
Abstract Microplastics in the environment have become a public health concern
over the past few years. Items of toothpaste and composite restorative materials
are the primary dental products that contribute to the microplastic pollution of the
environment. In terms of dental origin, toothpaste containing plastic particles <5 mm,
form the source of primary microplastics. Secondary microplastics are formed from
the resin-based composite restorative materials which degrade within the oral cavity
or may be released during the process of finishing and polishing of restorations. At the
same time, there is minimal awareness amongst the population regarding the use of
microplastics in personal-care products. The prolonged use of toothpaste containing
microbeads can cause abrasion of tooth enamel and dentine. The microbeads can get
entrapped in the gingival sulcus leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. The resinbased composites used as direct restorative materials, pit and fissure sealants and in
CADCAM milling can release monomers like Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate
(Bis-GMA) which is a potent environmental hazard as it gets dumped in the landfill.
Studies have confirmed the damage to aquatic life caused by microplastics which
can lead to the extinction of various aquatic species in future. They also get adsorbed
to biotoxins and through the process of bioaccumulation enter the food chain. A few
countries have enacted legislation which limits the use of microplastics in health
care products. However, many do not impose such strict regulations. Therefore, an
educational and regulatory approach toward the use of microplastics is mandatory
to control the emerging threat of microplastics to the environment. This chapter
is intended to create awareness among the public about the hazardous effects of
microplastics in dental care products and promote insights into policymaking.
T. Chandran
Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS),
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mangalore, India
U. Vishnu (B) · A. K. Warrier
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
e-mail: vishnu.u@manipal.edu
A. K. Warrier
Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
S. S. Muthu (ed.), Microplastic Pollution, Sustainable Textiles: Production, Processing,
Manufacturing & Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0297-9_6
157