Are Dental Sealants Safe?

One of the best ways to reduce cavities and enjoy a healthy smile is the application of dental sealants. This is a plastic coating that guards the biting surface of molar teeth. Dental sealants stop particles from collecting in the small fissures and cracks within molar teeth. Yet there is some question as to whether dental sealants are safe.

Dental Sealants' Alleged Risk

Dental sealants have bisphenol-A, commonly referred to as BPA. Excessive exposure to BPA has the potential to harm human health. Thankfully, a 2016 study conducted by the American Dental Association Product Review puts concerns regarding the BPA content of dental sealants to rest. This group was formed in 2006 under the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs' direction.

It is an unbiased and scientifically credible source of information relating to dentistry and oral health. The group's report on dental sealants shows the amount of BPA in this oral health solution is minimal. In fact, there is so little BPA in dental sealants that prospective patients should have absolutely no concern about its safety.

The bottom line is BPA is a buzzword that is meant to strike fear into those who are considering a prospective product or treatment.

About the Study

The American Dental Association Product Review study analyzed a dozen dental sealants commonly used by dentists in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine how much BPA was released when dental sealants were in use. The study also gauged whether the level released puts children in danger.

The findings show dental sealants have the potential to expose a child to a mere 0.09 nanograms of BPA in a day's time. This is below the limit of a million nanograms suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, the average child is subjected to exponentially more BPA in drinks, foods and paper than dental sealants.

You Should Have no Concern Over Dental Sealant Safety

It is clear the level of BPA in dental sealants is so small that parents should not be concerned about the safety of this oral health solution. The benefits of dental sealants greatly outweigh the nearly non-existent risk.

As an example, a 10-year-old who has dental sealants in place for half a decade will be 50 percent less likely to suffer tooth decay on the molar biting surfaces compared to children who brush their teeth on a regular basis. Such a decreased level of decay prevents the formation of cavities and the need for fillings and/or crowns later in life.

Strategies to Alleviate Concerns

If you are still concerned about the potential exposure from dental sealants, it is better to be proactive and move forward with this oral health solution rather than bypassing it altogether. BPA exposure from sealants can be reduced with specific strategies. Most of the BPA exposure occurs in the hours after treatment.

The US National Library of medicine advises rinsing for 20 seconds with water following the placement of the dental sealants. This simple strategy can reduce BPA exposure by nearly 70 percent. Rubbing the treated site with a cotton swab, cotton ball or soft-grit pumice will also significantly reduce BPA exposure.

Routine Dental Exam to Check for Tooth Decay Risk

A routine dental exam is the best way to identify tooth decay. This exam gives your dentist and/or his staff the opportunity to examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay and other issues or abnormalities. The purpose of identifying tooth decay during routine dental exams is to catch it as early as possible and provide subsequent treatment.

The Frequency of Routine Dental Exams

Routine dental exams should occur at least once every six months. Some dentists and patients prefer to have these check-ups once every three or four months just to be on the safe side. When in doubt, reach out to your dentist to determine the frequency of dental exams that is most appropriate for your unique oral health.

If you smoke, have cavities or have a genetic predisposition for gum disease and/or tooth/root decay, a routine dental exam every three months might be ideal.

What Happens During the Dental Exam?

The dentist and his or her staff will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. The exam will provide a comprehensive summary of your unique oral health. You will be asked questions about your dental history, medical history and oral hygiene. The dentist will look closely at each tooth for signs of tooth decay.

The dentist will examine your diagnostic X-rays, known as radiographs. This is essential to detect tooth decay as well as tumors, bone loss and cysts. All tooth surfaces are examined with specialized dental instruments for signs of decay.

What Happens if Tooth Decay is Identified?

If there are signs of tooth decay, the dentist will likely ask detailed questions about your brushing and flossing habits. The frequency of brushing and flossing matters a great deal in the context of tooth decay. Even the products one uses for oral hygiene and the cleaning techniques play important roles in preventing tooth decay.

Furthermore, the dentist will likely ask questions about whether the patient uses toothpaste with fluoride and if one consumes water containing fluoride. This information is necessary for the dentist to provide suggestions as to how the patient can improve oral hygiene habits to prevent additional tooth decay.

Why Routine Dental Exams are an Absolute-Must

Take a moment to consider the pain and annoyance involved in your last cavity. Wouldn't it be nice to minimize those feelings or completely prevent them?  Visit the dentist for routine dental exams and your tooth decay will be identified as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis reduces the need for deep drilling and other possible invasive procedures that might prove somewhat painful and undoubtedly cost additional money. So do not delay check-ups at the dentist. The early identification of tooth decay will dramatically increase the potential for successful treatment.