Bisphenol A in plastic could be the cause for hypersensitive chalk teeth
More and more children and adolescents in Germany suffer from hypersensitive chalk teeth. Some scientists believe that the main cause for the new epidemic of the widespread use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic. Consumer advocates are now calling for a ban on the harmful chemical in packaging and utensils.
If brushing your teeth hurts
Health experts have repeatedly pointed out the importance of regular teeth brushing. Because it is through proper oral hygiene, you can’t inflammation just the gums, tooth pain and unpleasant mouth odour, but also, of course, tooth decay efficiently prevent. For people who suffer from teeth to the so-called “Chalk”, is to brush the teeth, however, is usually painful because your teeth are hypersensitive. Scientists are not in agreement as to why the dental disease is spreading faster and faster.
Hypersensitive Teeth
More and more children and adolescents in Germany suffer from teeth of the lower Cretaceous, below the 12-year-olds, there are more than 30 percent, according to the Verbraucherzentrale Schleswig-Holstein in a statement.
This developmental disorder is associated with enormous risks for the dental health.
It makes the tooth enamel is porous, so that the teeth are hypersensitive, and prone to caries.
Affected have pain while eating and to lose in the worst case, your teeth.
Some scientists suspect the main reason for the new epidemic in the widespread use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic, others doubt this.
Healthy development of tooth enamel is disturbed
The development of tooth enamel already starts in unborn children and lasts approximately until the fifth year of life.
Scientists from the USA reported in a study that they have found evidence that BPA interferes in infancy the healthy development of enamel and the formation of chalk teeth involved.
The Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR) has assessed this study and doubted the connection.
In the Heading of the communication, the BfR writes:
“Connection between “chalk teeth” in children (Molar-incisor hypomineralisation, MIH), and the inclusion of Bisphenol A, according to the current state of knowledge is unlikely”.
Consumer advocates call for BPA ban
The final scientific proof of a connection between BPA and chalk teeth, so there are still.
Nevertheless, the consumer for Precautionary reasons considers a ban of BPA for need. The chemical affects the hormone balance and is suspected to damage the health.
“This substance can be contained in packaging, crockery or interior coated cans,” explains Gudrun Köster, an expert on food and nutrition to the consumer.
“So BPA can migrate into food and in the body.”
Harmful chemical to avoid
So far BPA in Europe is banned only in baby bottles, from 2020 onwards it will also be banned for the coating of thermal papers.
As a lining in canned food or beverage cans, the chemical is still used often, even in microwave plastic cookware, it can happen.
The consumer explained Central, are not able to indicate the recycling code 7 and the initials PC (polycarbonate) BPA, a labelling requirement.
Those who want to avoid BPA, better go for canned in glass, and uses utensils made of porcelain or other ceramic.
The according to experts, Alternatives to BPA are also not harmless, but less well studied.
The consumer demands, therefore, that chemicals may only be used in food packaging and tableware, if Toxicological studies, classifying them as harmless. (ad)
