Question/ Advice about pediatric dental sealants

[LaLa]

Wondering how common this is these days. My guess is pretty common.

Since DS's first molars are in, our pediatric dentist recommended we get them sealed to prevent decay. I didn't think much about it until the other day when I got to wondering exactly what is in the plastic that they seal them with....

Well, tonight I started doing some research and came across a few studies that first suggested the BPAs used to make the plastic sealants could leak from the sealants in very low doses and possibly cause some undetermined ill effect later in life. Studies showed that in lab animals, it stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells, as well as some prostate cancer cells. That study was done in 96 and then refuted by a series of tests done by the ADA. I felt much better and was pretty convinced that even if any leakage occurred, it would be at such a low dose that it wouldn't matter. Lo and behold, another study came out December 05 that stated that even in very low trace amounts, BPA was shown to cause deterioration of developing brain cells.

If I get the sealants put on his teeth and then later on down the road, they determine that there is definitely a significant risk, I could have them removed, right? Well, the only problem is that they put a coating of acid on the molars to "rough" them up before the sealant is applied so it will stay. So maybe having them removed later is not an option? I don't know.

Soooo.... what to do? I plan on discussing it with our dentist, but I was just wondering if anyone has any insight on this or if they can put a worrying mother's mind at ease.

 

[PixieDust32]

My DD's (12 and 8) had sealants since they were 4 or 5 and so far no problem, they had no decay and no health problems. I asked our dentist about the side effects and he told me that they were very safe.

 

[mudnuri]

Well, I'd look at it this way.

Years ago, we all had those silver fillings- now they say they're not good for you because they have mecury in them.

When I was little they didnt have sealants, and I sure wish they did. Not only did I have 'soft' teeth, but I also didnt have permanent teeth to come in when and if my baby teeth feel out. I have 4 permanent teeth. Baby teeth aren't suppose to last 30 years, and thats proof now!

March 14th, I go in for oral surgery and have 4 teeth removed- all 4 are molars, that in this day and age, would be sealed.

Both of my DDs have had sealants on all teeth the dentist recommends- well, DD8 has 2 more to go, because they were not fully erupted. I didnt think twice about the sealants, and if your dentist is recommending it, do it There is nothing worse than finding out 10 years from now that he has very soft teeth, and this molars need to be removed. Because of the baby teeth, etc. i have had almost $15,000 done in work in my mouth, and I'm still not done. If only my molars were sealled when I was little....fyi- now, when he's done rebuilding a tooth- he seals it.

Brandy

 

[believe]

DD had sealants put on just a couple month ago. No issue. Dr. says they are completely safe.

DH and I just had our's done a few years ago. Since we were over 18 yrs of age they weren't covered at 100%, so even with 2 insurance we still has to pay a portion of the cost. Had we had them completed prior to 18, they would have been covered 100%. As long as DH and I go in every 6 months for cleanings they are guaranteed for life.

 

[LaLa]

Does anyone know if this is the same material as the white fillings/crowns?

 

[Wishing on a star]

I do not know any specifics about the sealants.

But, I will say this:

I have NO respect for what the ADA says!!!!!

They are the same ones who are telling us that Fluoride is safe (do the research, it is toxic) they are the ones telling us that Mercury in our mouth is safe. (Ummmm, yeah right...)

complete lies and over-ups and suppression of credible evidence....

I put about as much stock in the ADA as I would have in the tobacco industry telling us that cigarettes were not harmful.

Go figure.

 

[toystory1130]

Does anyone know if this is the same material as the white fillings/crowns?

I don't have any white fillings but I do know they use a light with the sealants to make them harden. In my opinion they are the best thing since sliced bread. I have no hesitation on the safeness (is that a word?), I've had them for over 12 years with no ill effects. A few on the surfaces that I don't use alot are still on there after all this time. I just had some redone in a few deep surfaces. Word of warning: They can be overfilled. Make sure they check your (or your childs) bite good before leaving, these can throw off your bite but it is easy to file down.

 

[Tiffann4k]

My husband had his sealed when he was little, not sure how good they were because he still got cavatys, but then again that was 20 years ago.

My daughter just got her teeth sealed last month

 

[Tinijocaro]

I do not know any specifics about the sealants.

But, I will say this:

I have NO respect for what the ADA says!!!!!

They are the same ones who are telling us that Fluoride is safe (do the research, it is toxic) they are the ones telling us that Mercury in our mouth is safe. (Ummmm, yeah right...)

complete lies and over-ups and suppression of credible evidence....

I put about as much stock in the ADA as I would have in the tobacco industry telling us that cigarettes were not harmful.

Go figure.

Here Here!! I'm totally with you! No sealants, flouride treatments, flouride water bottes. There isn't even proof that flouride toothpaste prevents decay!

Jackie

 

[Wishing on a star]

Jackie, Thank You!!!!

And, AMEN!!!!!

 

[LaLa]

Fluoride is toxic? Great, something else to worry about.

Here's a link to one of the articles

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=34469

 

[Nicolepa]

Here Here!! I'm totally with you! No sealants, flouride treatments, flouride water bottes. There isn't even proof that flouride toothpaste prevents decay!

Jackie

Well my FIL is a dentist and he said that once they started putting flouride in the water he had something like 80% less decay in children. That's enough proof for me. We do not have flouride in our water and I DO buy the flourinated water. They get at most one a day, that is all they need. I'm not religous about it or anything, if I have the water they get it, if I'm out then they get regular water.

If you over do it, yes it may be toxic, but any kind of water over done will kill you.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I do not know any specifics about the sealants.

But, I will say this:

I have NO respect for what the ADA says!!!!!

They are the same ones who are telling us that Fluoride is safe (do the research, it is toxic) they are the ones telling us that Mercury in our mouth is safe. (Ummmm, yeah right...)

complete lies and over-ups and suppression of credible evidence....

I put about as much stock in the ADA as I would have in the tobacco industry telling us that cigarettes were not harmful.

Go figure.

Gosh, I didn't know you had obtained your Dental licensure..... For those of us who ARE dental professionals and who have done research and case studies.....your post is full of crap. Please educate yourself before posting utter untruths on the net.

 

[Tinijocaro]

The History of flouridation- a very, very interesting read for parents who grew up believing that flouride=good.

http://www.rvi.net/~fluoride/000027.htm

Jackie

 

[kimwim8]

Are you all talking about sealing the second set of teeth? My DD's dentist recommended sealing her baby molars b/c they have deep crevaces (sp?). Would you seal the baby teeth or just wait til the second set come in?

BTW...she just had a baby molar removed b/c of a deep cavity.

Thanks for any help, and thanks to the OP for posting...lots of good info here!

 

[Davids-Coco]

Frankly, I can only speak from my experience....

I had sealants for deep teeth as a child. Other than the fact that Keiser was unable to get my mouth dry enough for them to take on occasion, they have worked out very well. My deep molars are cavity free.

I also grew up with flouride in the water (so. cal.). I do think that it helped. I have only had one cavity... and it was in a baby tooth (that had no adult tooth to push it out) after it had been in there for 16 years. I KNOW that the lack of adult teeth was not caused by the water too, because it is genetic in my family and almost all of us are missing at least one.

Again, not planning on fighting with anyone... just giving my experience.

 

[Buckalew11]

Must be the "in" treatment. DD's dentist wants to do this also. So far, we've passed. So far, no cavities.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I find this to be an interesting read myself:

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/index.asp

Seeing how some posters group the ADA with the tobacco companies and teachers......they may not want to open the link.....

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Our dentist has been pushing sealants for my 7 yo. I will not have it done. First who can really believe everything the medical experts say is safe. Tomorrow or years from now a new study may show how harmful sealants are. We have to worry about chemicals in the air and in food, I'm not going to start worrying about a permanent chemical in my child's mouth.

 

[tiggersmom2]

To answer the OP....sealants are absolutely safe and should definitely be utilized to prevent decay. The molars have deep pits and the sealant material will prevent food from getting in these pits. The material is resin based and it will NOT hurt your child.

Sealants are also not a "new" thing. Most dental practices are moving toward PREVENTIVE dentistry. We place more emphasis on preventing cavities.