Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Patients worried about the safety of mercury used in amalgam dental fillings may also be concerned with BPA from dental sealants.  BPA (Bisphenol A), is a resin used in several types of plastics that studies suggest may have harmful effects on human health, particularly on child development.  Even though dental sealants and fillings do not contain BPA themselves, several do contain compounds that turn into BPA on contact with saliva.  Determining if this is a problem requires evaluation of the scientific research available.

As previously mentioned, dental sealants, while made of plastic, do not contain BPA.  However, BPA does form in the mouth after the placement of some dental sealants.  Studies have shown that BPA can be found in saliva roughly three hours after the dental work is finished.  It remains unclear exactly what, if any, health risk this poses but it has been found that wiping and rinsing the completed work decreases any associated risks dramatically.  In fact, studies have shown that rinsing and scrubbing the dental sealants after application can remove 88% to 95% of the compounds that can become BPA.

Patients may wonder if it is possible to simply choose dental sealants that are BPA free.  Unfortunately, this is not easy to do because dental sealant manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the ingredients found in their products.  Additionally, many manufacturers use compounds such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA).  These little studied compounds may or may not pose their own health risks beyond any risks associated with BPA.  Because it is impossible to know all of the compounds used in the dental sealant, due to lack of manufacturer disclosure, precautionary application techniques along with scrubbing and rinsing the sealant after application is highly advisable.

Given the level of uncertainty regarding the materials and compounds used in the dental sealant contributing to BPA production in the mouth, some may question if the preventative benefits of sealants outweigh the risks.  The current consensus amongst the dental community is that yes, the benefits of using dental sealants to protect the surfaces of teeth far outweighs any risks associated with BPA.  As a means of preventing tooth decay, dental sealants have been used and shown to be effective since the 1970’s.  Primarily placed on the deep grooves, or fissures, of the molars and premolars, the plastic dental sealants provide protection from plaque accumulation.  Because the deep grooves of the molars and premolars can be difficult to reach when brushing, dental sealants are effective in covering these areas to inhibit plaque buildup.  Plaque contains acidic bacteria which directly contribute to erosion of the tooth enamel and can cause cavities to develop if not addressed.

As with any dental procedure that a patient may be considering, consultation with a qualified dentist regarding the use of dental sealants is needed.  While dental sealants protect the areas they are placed, they are not a substitute to good overall oral hygiene practices.  Patients are therefore advised to practice sound flossing and brushing techniques, use fluoride to protect the surfaces of all teeth, and continue to see their dentist or hygienist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Info on Dental Sealants : What are Dental Sealants?