"Decay Dilemma, Do Kids Need Dental Sealants?"
We first saw this recent news on Nightly News with Brian Williams, "Decay Dilemma, Do Kids Need Dental Sealants," so we went to Dr. Kim to have her share her own insights on dental sealants for children. We have taken some excerpts and quotes out of the article for you, but you can read the full article here.
"...decades of research demonstrate that coating the biting surfaces of 6-year molars with a resin-based sealant can reduce cavities by up to nearly 80 percent immediately -- and up to 60 percent for four years or more."
"...decades of research demonstrate that coating the biting surfaces of 6-year molars with a resin-based sealant can reduce cavities by up to nearly 80 percent immediately -- and up to 60 percent for four years or more."
“It’s imperative that as soon as
those adult teeth erupt, that they be sealed…”
"In practice, however, less than 40
percent of dentists actually follow the recommendations of the ADA, according
to a 2011 study by
researchers at Temple University. The study tracked whether dentists
were willing to seal teeth with the beginnings of decay, but no actual
cavities."
"Dental
sealants are formed when a plastic-like liquid is dripped onto the biting
surface of the tooth, coating the pits and fissures that typically trap food
and foster bacterial growth."
"[Sealants are] applied to the permanent molars and set with ultraviolet light, ideally between
the ages of 5 and 7, when the teeth erupt. Cost can be $30 to $40 for each
tooth and is typically covered by most dental insurance policies."
"Studies consistently showed that sealants warded off decay in
high proportions of permanent teeth, sometimes for up to a decade."
"In dental circles, the question of sealants has been hotly
debated for nearly 50 years, and at least since the ADA awarded the product its
seal of approval in 1976. While there have been concerns that the sealants may expose
children to the controversial estrogen-like chemical bisphenol A, or
BPA, the benefits in preventing kids’ cavities outweigh the risks, the American Dental
Association states."
"Between 45 million and 55 million sealants are applied each year
in the U.S., with pediatric dentists performing more than twice as many
procedures as either general dentists or dental hygienists."
Dr. Kim Hansford's response:
"Yes. We do suggest [dental sealants] where needed. Not absolutely every person needs them. If [a child has] deep cavernous grooves on the biting surface [their] toothbrush cannot possibly get down deep enough to clean them. This sets [children] up for cavities. If there is stain on them or small areas of decay starting we typically clean them out first, this is called enameloplasty. In my office, we do not use a sealant material that has Bis- GMA, BPA or Bis-DMA. There are practices such as immediately wiping off the surface of sealants with wet gauze that can reduce potential exposure. Also, there are much greater sources of BPA exposure such as eating canned foods to consider altogether. Sealants are a great preventive [treatment] but they need to be checked regularly at check ups to make sure they are bonded well and have not chipped or come off. [Sealants] can be added to and rebonded. If a sealant is going to fail it most typically would happen sooner rather than later. If it has been there for some time it will likely last well into adulthood and still provide protection. We warn against crunching ice as this can damage fillings, healthy teeth and sealants."
Thanks Dr. Kim! Next time you come and visit us, be sure to ask us any questions you have about dental sealants!
