Many parents may be interested to know that one of ingredients in composite filling’s is, bisphenol A. Bisphenol A (known as BPA) has drawn scrutiny in recent years because of its ability to act as an estrogen in animal lab studies.

Thanks to BPA presence in canned foods, sodas, and common plastics, the chemical courses through the bloodstreams of 93 percent of Americans tested. In 2010, the FDA declared the substance safe at low levels, though even the agency noted “some concern” due to possible effects of BPA on the brain and behavior of fetuses, infants, and children.

BPA remains a common additive in both dental fillings and dental sealants, according to the ADA (American Dental Association). ADA through a statement on their website, maintains that BPA used in dentistry is safe, and that a child is exposed to it on a limited basis during the filling procedure itself. “The estimated one time exposure (upon sealant placement) for a male child of median body weight (51 to 112 pounds) is approximately 5.5 micrograms, which is two to five times lower than the estimated daily exposure from food and environmental sources,” said the statement. Few studies have examined how much BPA may be breaking down from the filling material over time.