A commonly used composite dental filling is associated with “worse social behavior in children age 11 to 16,” according to a new study from the New England Research Institute. The filling contains the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which mimics estrogen in the body and has been linked to a variety of health issues in infants and children. 

The study, which was published in the July 16, 2012 issue of Pediatrics, is concerning to some parents and pediatricians. After all, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the se of BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups and other products for children; however, BPA is found in many other plastic products and in the linings of canned goods.

“Canned liquid infant formula actually has higher levels of BPA than what is found in BPA-containing baby bottles,” explained naturopathic pediatrician and Wellness Times editorial advisor Matthew Baral, ND. “Powdered infant formulas also have some BPA, but the levels are not as high.” Baral said the only formula presently on the market that is completely BPA free is Nature’s One/Baby’s Only brand.

“The concern over BPA is significant,” Baral said. “It has been linked to development issues, cancer and hormone disruption.”

But what about this latest study showing dental fillings with BPA are associated with behavioral issues? According to Mark A. Breiner, DDS, author of Whole-Body Dentistry (Quantum Health Press, 2011), the study is flawed. It used an incorrect method, and participants’ BPA levels were not measured prior to the placement of the fillings, he said. 

“Could it be that the children who had the most fillings were also the ones with the poorest diets, eating more canned foods or food cooked in plastic in a microwave oven?”  Breiner postulated. “They would thus have higher levels of BPA.” He also pointed out that “once the [dental] composite is light cured, there is no free BPA, so BPA is really not a problem” with these fillings. Breiner said composite fillings are no more toxic than the old standby, mercury fillings, which also have safety issues.

“Anything placed in the mouth is a foreign substance and therefore toxic,” he said. What’s the answer? Fewer fillings.