Dental information reveals a connection with toxicity and autism spectrum disorder

As a physician with a focus on toxicity and health, I’m always interested in new research that sheds light on the potential causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A recent study published in the Journal of Xenobiotics has caught my attention, as it suggests a possible link between the buildup of organic chemicals in baby teeth and ASD.

The study, conducted by Raymond Palmer, PhD, a biostatistician and epidemiologist at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, analyzed the teeth of 42 children, 22 with ASD and 20 without. The results showed that the teeth of children with ASD had a significantly higher concentration of chemicals compared to those without ASD.

This study is worth considering because it highlights the importance of environmental factors in the development of ASD. The study suggests that the mother’s exposure to chemicals, during pregnancy, may play a role in the development of ASD in her child. This is because the developing fetus is exposed to whatever toxins from the mother  during that time, and this exposure is sequestered in the developing enamel and dentine of the tooth.

The chemicals found in the teeth of children with ASD were primarily phthalates, plasticizers, pesticides, antimicrobials, and solvents used to produce these compounds. Many of these chemicals are used in personal care and cleaning products, as well as food additives. The study also found that five of the chemicals detected were listed on the Pesticide Action Network’s “Bad Actors” list.

I believe that this study has important implications for our understanding of ASD. It suggests that environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals, may play a role in the development of ASD, and that reducing exposure to these chemicals may be an important step in preventing or treating the disorder. Keep in mind that to date when we test our ASD population it’s very common to find a host of high levels of toxins, including heavy metals.

However, as the study’s author notes, pinpointing the origins of ASD development is difficult because there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of genes connected to the development of ASD and thousands of environmental factors interacting with these genes. This interaction is known as epigenetics. This translates to mean that it is unlikely that there will ever be a single “silver bullet” that cures or even addresses the multitude of expressions chemically and physically for ASD patients.

The most current data has clearly indicated that the bioaccumulation of the many toxins we all encounter are playing a role in the modification of the fetal cell expressions leading to a host of unwanted consequences. Testing both pre-pregnancy and of our offspring should be part of a routine proceedure considering the high prevalence of our exposures.

The key takeaway is that reducing exposure to chemicals, as well as addressing other environmental and genetic factors is critical to ensuring that our next generation is healthy and has the capability prosper. The imperative is that we all need to contribute to this endavour regardless of our status in brining new people to the planet. 

As a physician, I’m committed to staying up-to-date on the latest research and findings in the field of ASD. I believe that this study is an important step forward in our understanding of the disorder, and I look forward to seeing further research in this area.

Take Aways:

Eat Organic

Know what products your putting on your skin

Modify your air quality when possible 

Have your water tested

Reduce your use of plastic products, period !

Consider your exposures in your home and where you work