Dental sealants still offer best protection against tooth decay says the BC Dental Association

Apr 20 2008

Dental sealants remain one of the best methods for protection against tooth decay in children, says the BC Dental Association. The Association supports Health Canada's announcement that bisphenol-A (BPA) in dental resin materials poses no significant health threat.

A sealant is a clear plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars in children between the ages of 6 - 14. Sealants protect against tooth decay by preventing food debris and bacteria from lodging in the grooves of teeth.

Some sealants contain minute amounts of bisphenylglycidyl dimethacrylate or BisGMA, a type of BPA that is encased in stable material for use in dental applications. A 2008 report from the US Department of Health and Human Services indicates that only free floating bisphenol-A is considered to be of concern in humans. BisGMA is a different formula of BPA than the one used in products such as plastic bottles and the lining of food cans.

The Association says the benefits of dental sealants far outweigh the risks. "Without dental sealants, we would have a much more serious problem with tooth decay in BC kids because of the lack of fluoridated water in British Columbia," said Dr. Alastair Nicoll, Board President of the BC Dental Association. "Sealants are used in conjunction with fluoride to protect the whole tooth from decay but only about 4.5% of BC's population has access to fluoridated drinking water.

Studies to date show no indication that BisGMA is of concern in dental applications. "As health care providers, we are always concerned about the health of our patients, oral and otherwise," said Dr. Nicoll. "Our responsibility is to balance the risks and benefits of any treatment with the ultimate goal of ensuring the oral health of our patients is with them for life."

Dental sealants are a standard cavity prevention treatment for children and help to decrease the incidence of childhood tooth decay. "Daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits, are the best approach to prevention of cavities," said Dr. Peter Chan, President of the BC Pediatric Dental Society. "But dental sealants provide another effective layer of protection against cavities, especially in children who may not brush their teeth properly or don't have access to regular dental care."

"Oral disease is one of the few public health problems that is entirely preventable with good oral hygiene," added pediatric dentist Dr. Pamela Glassby, who works in public dental health. "However, due to poor dietary or oral care habits, or socio-economic conditions that limit regular dental care, dental sealants help provide a "hands-free" preventive measure so children have a greater chance of keeping their teeth healthy until they reach adulthood."

"Dental sealants are an accessible and simple step to cavity prevention in children," said Jocelyn Johnston, Executive Director of the BC Dental Association. "All three of my children had dental sealants applied when they were young and I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again."

Patients with concerns about dental materials should talk to their dentists and review the best treatment options available to suit their needs. Representing the dentists of British Columbia, the BC Dental Association is committed to working with government and stakeholders to ensure the best prevention and oral treatment options are available to all dental patients in British Columbia.

http://www.bcdental.org/