Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or Pfas as they are commonly known, are  a group of manufactured chemicals that are used to produce a wide range of products for both household and industrial use. While the use of PFAS has been phased out due to health concerns associated with exposure to these chemicals, they are known as 'forever chemicals' that do not readily break down, and therefore persist in the environment where they can potentially contaminate drinking water sources.

Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to a wide range of health issues, including high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. A recent study conducted by scientists from West Virginia University School of Dentistry has examined whether exposure to these chemicals can have a negative effect on dental health.

PFAS and It's Affect on Teeth

For the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, the authors investigated whether children exposed to high concentrations of PFAS were more likely to suffer from tooth decay. They found that exposure to one of these chemicals — perfluorodecanoic acid — increased the risk of dental cavities in children.

"Due to the strong chemical bonds of PFAS, it is difficult for them to breakdown, which makes them more likely to be persistent within the environment, especially in drinking water systems," said Christopher Waters, director of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry's research laboratories at and co-author of the study. "A majority of people may not be aware that they are using water and other products that contain PFAS."

The researchers assessed 629 child participants between the ages of 3-11, who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Blood samples taken from the participants were tested for seven PFAS chemicals in 2013/14. Factors such as tooth decay, how often the child brushed their teeth, their race and Body Mass Index were also assessed. The authors found that exposure to the PFAS chemical perfluorodecanoic acid was associated with higher levels of tooth decay.

Earlier studies suggest that perfluorodecanoic acid may inhibit the development of tooth enamel, the component that makes our teeth strong and hard. The disruption of tooth enamel development can result in teeth being more prone to decay. However, the mechanism by which perfluorodecanoic acid affects normal tooth formation, leading to cavities, is still unclear and requires further investigation.

"The good news is that, in our study, about half of the children did not have any measurable amount of PFAS. Perhaps this is due to certain PFAS no longer being made in the US," said Constance Wiener, an associate professor in the Department of Dental Practice and Rural Health and co-author of the study.

The bad news, however, is that means that half of the children surveyed did in fact have PFAS in their blood.

The study also highlights the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental examinations. Children who brushed their teeth at least twice a day had significantly less tooth decay that children who brushed their teeth only once a day or less. Similarly, children who had not had a dental checkup in the past year were twice as likely to have higher incidence of tooth decay than those who had.

Remove PFAS From Your Drinking Water

While parents have little control over what is in their tap water, they can still take measures to protect their family's health and teeth. This includes encouraging their children to practice good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth morning and night and scheduling regular dental checkups. Parents who are concerned about PFAS and other contaminants in their drinking water can also invest in a good quality drinking water filter like the Berkey that is capable of removing these harmful contaminants, ensuring the water your family drinks is healthy, pure, and will not have any adverse health affects.

Learn more about PFAS chemicals in drinking water here.

Journal Reference

R. Constance Wiener, Christopher Waters. Perfluoroalkyls/polyfluoroalkyl substances and dental caries experience in children, ages 3–11 years, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2014. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 2019; 79 (4): 307 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12329