ARE DENTAL SEALANTS SAFE?
Dental sealants are a protective plastic coating that is placed onto posterior teeth. Dental sealants are very common in pediatric patients but any patient who is prone to decay and cavities can benefit from dental sealants.
The occlusal surface of our posterior teeth can be particularly at risk as some patients have a hard time reaching them to brush and floss properly. Certain medications, medical conditions, and even genetics can put a patient at higher risk for decay and dental sealants can help prevent that.
Before placing a dental sealant, your dentist or hygienist will etch the tooth with an etching solution that allows for good adhesion when the sealant is applied. Once the tooth is etched, the sealant is then painted on the occlusal surface of the tooth or teeth being treated in liquid form and is then cured with an ultraviolet light that hardens it into a protective hard plastic coating. Dental sealants do not hurt to have applied and are not able to be felt once they are in place.
The safety concerns surrounding dental sealants are due to Bisphenol A, or BPA. BPA is found in some plastics and mimics naturally occurring estrogen hormones. BPA is not used in the makeup of dental sealants though it is found in polycarbonate plastics. Food containers such as milk and water bottles and even baby bottles expose us to more BPA’s than dental sealants. BPA exposure from dental sealants is rare and may come from one product that does show evidence of BPA during the chemical breakdown of that ingredient when mixed with saliva. The increase in BPA exposure only lasts for a few hours and is completely gone and undetectable after 24 hours.
If you are a patient at risk for decay, the benefits of having dental sealants placed greatly outweigh the potential risk of not receiving this preventive treatment. Dental sealants are an easy measure to take to help protect hard to reach teeth from plaque and bacteria buildup. If you are concerned about any potential risk of exposure to BPA through dental sealants, discuss it with your dentist. There is no scientific evidence supporting dental sealants and adverse health conditions. Your dentist is there to help you and educate you on anything that may concern you.
Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and less costly option when faced with the potential for tooth decay and costly restorations. Prevention is easier and less expensive than treatment so it is important to understand your options and discuss any concerns with your dentist.
More about Dental Sealants : Dental Sealants for Kids