The symptom of “chalky teeth” is characterized by hypomineralization and defective development of dental enamel. It affects at least one of the permanent back teeth, sometimes even the incisors. It has been suggested that these dental defects could be attributable to the absorption of bisphenol A (BPA). It also turns out that BPA can also be present in materials in contact with food and therefore teeth. The researchers cite a study published in 2013 that examines the link between BPA exposure and defects in tooth enamel mineralization in rats. Then other studies that identify signaling pathways for mineralization disturbances, controlled by hormones, molecular targets of BPA, or possible new therapies.
The epidemiology and etiology of this dental condition remain imprecise: some studies have estimated the incidence of this dental hypomineralization between 3 and 22% in Europe and its worldwide prevalence between 2-40%. Multiple factors have been mentioned in the studies: certain maternal illnesses during the last trimester of pregnancy, complications at birth or frequent illnesses during the first year of the newborn, too low blood levels of vitamin D as well as taking the antibiotic amoxicillin early. Other studies report a possible link with increased exposure to dioxin…
No scientific evidence of a link to BPA exposure: The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has reassessed the 2013 study and concludes that there is currently no scientific reason to assume a link between the absorption of BPA and the occurrence of this dental fragility in children. And this for 2 main reasons, the level of exposure to BPA "in real life" and the toxicokinetic behavior of bisphenol A in humans:
- According to new data from the Netherlands, the oral absorption of BPA in highly exposed children amounts to 0.14 micrograms (μg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. This is 35 times less than the dose used by researchers in 2013.
- In addition, examination of the toxicokinetic behavior of BPA in humans makes a direct link between BPA and “chalky” teeth in children unlikely.
- Finally, the analysis of other studies on the subject leads to mixed results.
Ultimately, it appears that the condition is caused by different factors and “should therefore be considered a multifactorial condition” (Schneider & Silva, 2018).
