MICRO- AND NANO-PLASTICS: HEALTH, DENTAL PRACTICE, AND ENVIRONMENT

Giuseppina DE BENEDETTO¹, Veronica FOLLIERO¹, Maria Pia DI PALO¹, Leonardo AULISIO¹, Luca RINALDI², Gianluigi FRANCI¹, Federica DI SPIRITO¹ | ¹Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy; ²Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants with proven biological activity and systemic distribution. Generated throughout the plastic life cycle, they pose health risks to exposed populations and ecosystems. Dentistry contributes to MNP exposure via polymer-based materials and microplastic-containing oral care products. Degradation of resins, impression materials, clear aligners, and polishing agents releases MNPs directly into the oral cavity, where they may cross mucosal barriers, accumulate in tissues, and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysregulation, and dysbiosis.^1–4 Human biomonitoring studies have detected MNPs in blood, placenta, lungs, and stool, challenging prior assumptions of their inertness.⁵ Once internalized, MNPs may act as vectors for environmental toxicants and contribute to chronic disease, including carcinogenesis.^6–7 The oral route is especially concerning, yet underinvestigated. Patients and clinicians face chronic, low-dose exposure, while awareness and regulation remain limited.⁸ This narrative review explores MNP sources, exposure routes, and health implications in dentistry, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies. These include eliminating intentionally added microplastics, reformulating dental materials, and improving labeling. Integrating environmental safety into dental practice is essential to reduce MNP exposure and protect oral and systemic health.

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