Dental composite fillings and bisphenol A among children: A survey in South Korea

Aims: Bisphenol A (BPA)-based dental composites have commonly been used to fill dental cavities or seal pits and fissures on teeth. However, epidemiological evidence with regard to the BPA exposure from dental composites among children has rarely been reported. This study investigated whether there is a relationship between the BPA concentration in urine and the presence of composite restorations and sealants among South Korean children. Methods: Oral examinations and urine sample analyses were conducted on a total of 495 children aged 8-9 years. We classified the participants into four groups by the number of resin composites and sealant surfaces (0, 1-5, 6-10 and 11+). Results: BPA concentrations in urine were higher in children with 11 or more surfaces restored with sealants and resin composites than in those with zero restored surfaces, although no difference was seen in the group with 1-10 surfaces. After adjusting for gender and age, the urinary BPA concentration in children with 11 or more resin composite surfaces was 2.67 μg/g creatinine, which was higher than the concentration found in those with no filling surfaces (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Having many dental composite filling surfaces on teeth may increase the urinary BPA concentration in children.