We all know that BPAs are bad. If you listen to the news, read magazines, or shop for food, you know Bisphenol A is something you want to avoid. But why is it so bad for us – and how can we keep it out of our systems? Here’s a quick overview of BPA and its dangers.

Bisphenol A is used primarily to make plastics used for baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, some dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics. Most frighteningly, epoxy resins containing BPA are used as coatings on the inside of food and beverage cans.

And why are they dangerous? BPAs affect our endocrine systems, releasing estrogens and causing weight gain and other health problems in everyone from babies to seniors. Studies have linked themto altered hormone levels in men, and an increase risk of diabetes and heart disease in adults. BPAs are particularly hard on children; endocrine-affecting chemicals can wreak havoc with their growing bodies and cause the development of additional fat cells. Since we develop all of our fat cells before puberty (they just get bigger when we’re adults, but no new fat cells are formed), exposure to BPAs can lead directly to both child and adult obesity.

Some plastics used in dentistry have BPA in them – luckily, BPA-free alternatives are readily available, and are especially important for use in dentistry for children and pregnant women. You can now get BPA-free dental sealants, night and sports guards, retainers and other preventative and restorative oral care products. Because we have these healthier alternatives available, there’s really no reason to use products that contain harmful chemicals.

If you’re concerned about BPAs in your dental work, lower your risk. Talk to your dentist about the products he or she is using – and take control of your health and the well-being of your children.

If you have questions or concerns about BPAs in dental sealants or other products, please call us or visit our office. You can get in touch anytime at 905 637-5463 (KIND) or at info@desiredsmiles.com. We’d love to hear from you.