Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nanosized plastics, formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items, pose potential health risks, especially to children who frequently interact with plastic through chewing and hand-to-mouth behaviors. Saliva, as a vital biological fluid, offers a unique medium to detect these particles and evaluate their impact on oral and systemic health, highlighting the need for focused research in this area. AIM: To evaluate the presence of nanosized plastics in children's saliva after controlled exposure to plastic items, providing insight into the potential health risks associated with daily plastic interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 children aged 4-6 years with high interaction levels with plastic items were included. Saliva samples were collected following controlled plastic exposure and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A validated questionnaire assessed children's interaction with plastic items. RESULTS: Nanosized plastics were detected in all saliva samples, with SEM images revealing their adherence to biological matrices. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed their structural and chemical composition, predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Significant statistical correlations were observed between the interaction levels and contamination extent, underscoring exposure pathways through oral habits. CONCLUSION: Daily interaction with plastic items is a significant source of saliva contamination by nanosized plastics in children, posing potential oral and systemic health risks. These findings highlight the need for preventive measures and further studies on the long-term effects of nanoplastic exposure. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jalan S, Ramesh R. Assessment of Nanosized Plastics Exposure in Children: Evaluating the Impact of Daily Interaction with Plastic Items on Saliva Contamination. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(9):1087-1096.