Do dental composite fillings release BPA into your mouth?

What's actually in it

Tooth-colored dental composites are made from resin matrices that often include bisphenol A dimethacrylate (bis-DMA) or bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA). These are bisphenol-based polymers. When the resin is freshly placed and still curing, or when it's being ground during polishing, BPA is released into saliva.

Bis-DMA converts to BPA directly in saliva through a hydrolysis reaction. Studies have detected BPA in saliva and urine in the hours following dental composite placement.

What the research says

A 2026 in-vitro study on BPA release from modern resin-based dental composites confirmed time-dependent BPA release from contemporary composite materials. Release was highest immediately after curing, declined over 24-72 hours, and continued at low levels thereafter. The pattern varied by resin formulation and composite brand.

For adults with fully cured composites, ongoing BPA release is generally low. The higher-exposure windows are right after placement and during any grinding or repair work. Some dentists now apply a rinse immediately after curing to reduce surface BPA.

If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, discussing BPA-free composite options with your dentist, or timing elective dental work outside of pregnancy, is a reasonable precaution.