tooth sealant

[AmandaGRB]

My DS's dentist has recommended tooth sealants on his back teeth. DS is 5 yo. Also, I always brush his teeth. I brush and then he brushes after I do so he can practice. I am not finding much in my searches for info on this. I know it helps reduce the risk of decay, but what are the risks of the sealant? It is plastic...I'm not too crazy about having plastic painted onto his teeth. Is this safe? toxic? benefits outweigh the risk? I need input, please. Thank you!

Amanda

[Tkald]

This is what I found....
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/Sealants/SealOutToothDecay.htm

http://emporium.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/health/kids1.htm

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/po...bisphenola.asp

"The ADA sees no cause for concern at this time regarding potential BPA exposure from composites or sealants." - HA..HA..HA and what will they think next week?

It is hard because I feel that we needed a fluoride treatment to slow the decay long enough for me to catch my breath. As far as long term treatments, I am not for them. I would just double check on the fluoride releasing aspect of this.

[lindberg99]

I've been wondering about sealants too. My kids' dentist doesn't seem to recommend them anymore. My oldest (who is 9) had one or two but since then, the dentist has never mentioned them. I'll have to ask if they still do them or not.

[ktbug]

I had mine sealed, as a tween, and it didn't do any good. FWIW.

[SleeplessMommy]

The ADA is not a good source of info on this. They still claim amalgam fillings are OK :

That being said, we did sealants on DS (and on me). If your kid gets cavities, they can expect composite fillings... the same material used for the sealants.

Glass ionomer cement is used as a sealant by some dentists. It has no BPA and is highly bio-compatible. This would be the "lowest intervention" sealant option, if you can find a dentist that does it.

[amcal]

I adore my dentist. He is very hands off, doesn't do x-rays, is incredibly gentle, minimal interventionist, doesn't do flouride, doesn't care that DD still has a binky - I just LOVE him. He told me today that DD has very deep pits in her brand new 6 year molars and he feels they should be sealed. He says he doesn't recommend them for everyone but because of the structure of her teeth, he would recommend them. He was very hands off about it - supportive of what I wanted to do but I trust him so we will be doing them.

[lightheart]

sealents work, they form a coating on the teeth so that bacteria can not get ahold of the teeth... but.... they must be maintained, they will wear down and if not redone the tooth is exposed and prone to cavities.