A recent study found that there are certain chemicals found in encapsulated foods or fungicides that may cause damage to children’s teeth that are beyond repair.
Where the researchers reported during the presentation of their study at the 2016 European Congress of Endocrinology that exposure to bisphenol A Vinclozolin may damage some hormones that enter and play an important role in the growth of the enamel layer.
These two substances can interfere with the work of the hormones responsible for the growth of the enamel layer in the human being, thus increasing the risk of reproductive problems, cancer, birth defects, in addition to other health problems.
Bisphenol A is used in the manufacture of some types of plastics and dyestuffs, which are used in the packaging of foods and beverages. As for vinclosolin, it is used in fungicides in order to protect vines, orchards and even golf courses.
The results of previous studies indicated that these chemicals are associated with a specific health condition called enamel deficiency, which affects approximately 18% of children aged 6-9 years.
This health condition affects the first permanent teeth, especially the molars and incisors. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be repaired and treated. Children with it suffer from severe tooth sensitivity, especially to drinks and cold foods, and are more susceptible to tooth decay. The researchers noted that the color of the affected teeth usually tends to be yellow or brown and is very thin.
In order to understand the effect of these chemicals, the researchers conducted two experiments, as follows:
1- The first experiment: The researchers showed mice to daily doses of Bisphenol A or a combination of the two substances, from birth until the age of 30 days. Note that the doses were almost identical to those that a person may be exposed to on a daily basis.
The researchers took samples from the surface of mice’s teeth for examination, and found that these two substances stimulated the activity of two genes involved in regulating enamel mineralization in the teeth.
2- The second experiment: In this experiment, the researchers targeted cells that enter into the composition of enamel during the development of teeth, and found that these cells contain six different hormones that increase the work and stimulate the genes responsible for the production of tooth enamel.
Finally, the researchers concluded that these chemicals, which were studied, would damage tooth enamel by inhibiting the action of some hormones. In order to protect children’s teeth, exposure to these substances must be avoided during pregnancy and until the child’s age is approximately five years.