Microplastics in dentistry: An invisible threat

Fraser Macdonald, Dental Tribune International

Wed. 3. September 2025

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WASHINGTON, US: Covering everything, including composite fillings and disposable suction tips, plastics are woven into all aspects of modern dental care. Yet a growing body of evidence is raising alarms about microplastics—tiny fragments less than 5 mm in size—that not only pollute the environment but may also pose risks to human health. Dentistry, long reliant on plastic-based materials, is coming under scrutiny as researchers and campaigners question how these particles move from the chairside to the wider ecosystem.

A recent feature in The Atlantic highlights the scale of the challenge. Microplastics have become almost impossible to avoid in daily life, and dentistry is no exception. While plastic-based materials have revolutionised restorative techniques, they also shed microscopic debris during routine procedures, such as the drilling or polishing of composites. Wastewater from dental practices is a key pathway by which these particles enter rivers and oceans, where they persist for decades. More troubling still, some evidence has shown that microplastics are entering the human bloodstream and organs, raising questions about occupational exposure for dental teams as well as risks for patients.

Scientific investigations are beginning to shed light on the extent of the problem. A 2024 study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety analysed common dental materials and found that resin-based composites and impression plastics release measurable amounts of microparticles under stress. The researchers concluded that even well-established restorative methods may inadvertently contribute to the microplastic problem—a finding that underscores the urgency of developing alternative materials or improved waste management systems.

Another line of research, reported in the World Academy of Sciences Journal, has explored the biological impacts of microplastic exposure and describes the role of microplastics in dentistry as a silent invasion. Laboratory studies suggest that these particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular disruption, though the clinical significance for dentistry remains under investigation. For practitioners, the concern is twofold: potential health risks for patients and occupational exposure for dental teams who work daily with polymer-based tools and materials.

Campaigners are also adding their voice. Plastic Pollution Coalition recently published an overview of plastics in dentistry, calling attention to single-use items such as gloves, masks and sterilisation pouches. While infection control rightly remains paramount, the report urges dental professionals to explore plastic-free solutions where these are safe and practical. Reusable alternatives, improved segregation of waste streams and innovation in biomaterials are among the strategies being promoted.

The debate over microplastics is still in its early stages within dentistry, but the trajectory is clear: the industry will be expected to reckon with its contribution to plastic pollution. For dental professionals, the challenge lies in balancing clinical excellence with environmental responsibility—ensuring that the future of oral health does not come at the cost of long-term ecological and human health.