Dental Sealants

[Chloebelle]

Are they safe? Would you consider them? http://www.animated-teeth.com/tooth_sealants/t1_sealing_teeth.htm

My sister mentioned that her kids all got them, and none of them have cavities (ages 8, 14 and 16). I should also note that the kids have never had a particularly healthy diet (lots of sugar, sodas, etc). I have to say, I was shocked that they have no cavities. 

[SaveTheWild]

Last time I looked into it sealants are made with BPA, so are a total no-go as far as I am concerned.  But then again, so are white fillings, so it is a concern either way.  :-(  

[sunnysandiegan]

From what I can tell from reading A LOT and from talking to real people, good teeth are more determined by genetics (and possibly certain hygiene techniques) versus sealants. There are so many stories out there (from real people as well as online, where you never really know) of people with sealants who still got cavities. People with great teeth can have sealants or not have them and still not have cavities.

[littlest birds]

I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.  And not one of my four kids has ever had a cavity. 

I can't claim to know what causes susceptibility to cavities but putting synthetics inside children's mouths long-term just doesn't seem like a good way to approach preventive care.  But I suppose it's just one more way dentists can get you to come back regularly if once you have sealants you need them to have them checked on.