University of Otago orthodontics senior lecturer and researcher Dr Adith Venugopal said microplastics had become a pressing global concern for both health and the environment, because recent studies had shown their presence in food, water and human tissues, including the bloodstream and major organs.
He said humans were exposed to microplastics through multiple pathways, including ingestion, inhalation and skin contact.
"It has raised alarm about potential links to inflammation, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disruption.
"Yet, their impact within the oral environment has remained largely unexplored until now.
"Given the long-term use of plastic-based orthodontic appliances such as aligners, retainers and widespread usage of adhesives, the potential release of microplastics and nanoplastics during routine wear and mechanical stress warrants thorough investigation to ensure patient safety and long-term biocompatibility."
To critically evaluate the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health, a University of Otago research group had conducted extensive laboratory analyses to identify and quantify microplastic leakage from dental and orthodontic materials.
He said some leakage had been found, but the significance of it on human health was still unknown.
So, the group was now embarking on "a world-first in vivo" study aimed at detecting microplastic leaching from orthodontics in human mouths.
He said the research aimed to identify possible gaps in present research, particularly regarding the quantification of microplastic leakage from orthodontic appliances and their possible long-term effects.
"This pioneering work could reshape our understanding of how everyday medical plastics interact with the body and influence long-term health."
Dr Venugopal said the research had already drawn international attention in publications, he contributed to a World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) paper and he had been invited to speak on the topic at orthodontic conferences around the world.
"Our findings are being published in several high-impact international journals, reflecting the growing recognition of this issue at the intersection of health, materials science and environmental sustainability.
"My goal is to raise public awareness about the emerging concerns surrounding microplastics in dentistry and orthodontics, and to highlight that our team at the University of Otago is actively addressing this genuine and important issue through pioneering research.
"We should declare to a patient that there is a possibility of a leaching of microplastic, and let the patient make the conscious choice of whether to use it then or not."
He hoped the research would play an international role in advancing knowledge and safeguarding health in the evolving field.
