PREVENTION OF "MICROPLASTICS IN DENTISTRY" NEED OF THE HOUR -A REVIEW.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic polymer particles that are less than 5 mm in size and are becoming a common pollutant in the environment. They come from breaking down bigger plastics or being released directly into the environment by industries and hospitals. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that being exposed to microplastics can have harmful consequences on the body and the whole system, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular toxicity. Dentistry serves as both a source and a conduit for microplastic exposure, attributable to the utilization of polymer-based restorative, prosthetic, and orthodontic products.

Polishing, trimming, and finishing resin composites, denture bases, and aligners during clinical dental treatments can make microplastics. Microplastics can also come from oral care products, single-use dental goods, and impression materials. These particles may interact with oral epithelial cells, gingival fibroblasts, and biofilms, causing oxidative stress, the release of inflammatory cytokines, and changes in the integrity of enamel and mucosa. Long-term exposure may lead to dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and irritation of the tissues. Preventive measures encompass the utilization of environmentally sustainable dental materials (such as bioceramics, bioactive glass ionomers, PEEK, and biodegradable polymers), the implementation of digital dentistry workflows to decrease polymer consumption, and the adoption of eco-friendly dental practices to mitigate single-use plastic usage. Future actions will focus on creating biodegradable materials, better filtration systems, and global rules to stop microplastics from getting into natural and clinical environments. This review elucidates the mechanisms by which microplastics infiltrate the oral cavity, their possible ramifications on oral and dental tissues, and existing and prospective preventive strategies to alleviate their effects.

Key words: Microplastics; Dentistry; Oral health; Dental materials; Environmental pollution; Preventive dentistry; Green dentistry.