Dental Microplastics Negatively Impact the Digestive and Respiratory Systems

https://doi.org/10.65161/recAGPGTeR5lgpNTI

Humans are increasingly exposed to microplastics through daily oral hygiene routines and dental procedures performed with plastic materials. Microplastics have been proven to cause negative health effects, especially to the organs of the digestive and respiratory systems. Although many studies have investigated the impact of microplastics on the human body, few have specifically examined the effects of dental microplastics. In this review, the effects of polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, and other dental microplastics on the digestive and respiratory systems were researched. In the digestive system, polyethylene and polymethylmethacrylate microplastics were found to cause higher reactive oxygen species levels, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. In the respiratory system, polymethylmethacrylate also causes higher reactive oxygen species levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in lung macrophage cells, altogether reducing cell vitality. This review demonstrates the consequences of microplastic use in the dental industry and highlights the importance of high-impact research on biocompatible alternatives. In addition, more in vivo studies on human patients are needed to understand the short-term and long-term effects caused by dental microplastics. Increased awareness of these negative health effects will push the dental industry toward a safer and more sustainable future.