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."