Is it safe to get a white composite filling during pregnancy?

What's actually in it

Tooth-colored fillings and sealants are made from resin composites: plastic precursors that harden when the dentist shines a blue curing light on them. The resin almost always contains Bis-GMA, a molecule built from BPA. Even after curing, a small amount of unreacted BPA and related chemicals slowly releases into saliva.

BPA is a known endocrine disruptor. During pregnancy, it crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus within hours of exposure. The mouth is an efficient absorption route because saliva carries chemicals straight to the gut, and some is absorbed through the gum tissue directly into the blood.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Polymers tested modern resin-based composite fillings and measured BPA release over time. Leaching was highest in the first 24 to 72 hours after placement. Levels dropped after a week but didn't go to zero. Not every composite behaved the same. Some brands released several times more BPA than others, and that information isn't on the patient-facing label.

If a filling can wait until after delivery, waiting is the cleaner call. If the work is urgent, ask the dentist to use a low-BPA or Bis-GMA-free composite (brands like Admira Fusion and some newer SDR products). Rinse well after the appointment, and skip acidic drinks like orange juice for a day (acid speeds leaching).