Is Dental Sealant Material Safe for Teeth?

Looking for dental sealant information? One of the effective ways to reduce the occurrence of cavities in children and maintain oral health is to get dental sealants. Sealants are a plastic coating applied over the chewing surface of the molars to prevent food particles and bacteria from gathering in the fissures and pits of the teeth. Despite their effectiveness, many people are usually bothered about the safety of dental sealants.

The alleged risk of dental sealants

Dental sealants contain bisphenol-A, also called BPA. High exposure to BPA can potentially harm human health. Fortunately, a study conducted in 2016 by the American Dental Association Product Review addresses worries about the BPA content of dental sealants. The group’s report on dental sealants revealed that the level of BPA in the material is minimal. In fact, the quantity is so low that patients should have no reason to worry about safety.

Usually, BPA is rarely found in dental products. However, some composite resins used for certain dental procedures may contain traces of BPA. The study analyzed several types of dental sealants often used by dentists in the United States. The aim was to determine the amount of BPA released after applying a dental sealant over the teeth. The study also determined whether the level released poses any threat to children.

The results showed that dental sealants could potentially expose a child to about 0.09 nanograms of BPA during the day. This is significantly below the threshold of the million nanograms recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, an average person is exposed to higher BPA levels in foods, drinks, and paper than dental sealants.

Dental sealants are safe

It is evident that the BPA level in dental sealants is so insignificant that parents should not be worried about the safety of this preventive care solution. The benefits of getting sealants far outweigh the low risk. A child who gets dental sealant is less likely to develop tooth cavities on their molars, compared to children who only brush their teeth regularly. This simply means sealants reduce the need for dental restorations such as fillings or crowns later in life.

The only concern about sealants is that they have to be applied before cavities occur on a tooth. If decay is undetected and the tooth is sealed, the cavity will continue to worsen into deep decay or worse, an infection that will require tooth extraction. It is better to use small conservative fillings once decay is detected.

BPA exposure mostly occurs in the first few hours following the procedure. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it is advisable to rinse the mouth with water for 20 seconds after dental sealant application as this step can reduce exposure to BPA by up to 70%.

The bottom line

It is up to the parent to decide whether they want dental sealants for their child. They have to compare the prevailing risk of cavities with the potential risks of sealants. If you have any doubts, discussing the treatment with a dentist can give you the needed clarity to proceed.

Request an appointment here: https://addevalefamilydentistry.com or call Addevale Family Dentistry at (770) 430-3087 for an appointment in our Griffin office.

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