BPA May Affect Behavior

One source of BPA that may have slipped under the radar is dental fillings and sealants. A new study of 534 youngsters between the ages of 6 and 10 randomly assigned them to get tooth-colored composite or old-fashioned “silver” amalgam fillings. Five years later, parents filled out a comprehensive questionnaire about the children’s behavior. Those who had received BPA containing composite fillings scored a few points worse on the tool. The researchers say they can’t determine if the BPA was actually responsible for this deterioration, and point out that the difference was quite small. They urge parents to encourage brushing and flossing so that no dental fillings will be needed.
[Pediatrics, online July 16, 2012]