When it comes to giving safety to the child’s dental health,
you may be thinking about getting his/her teeth sealed using a sealant. Dental
sealants are known to provide great protection against several dental
infections including tooth decay and cavities. However, the point of concern,
when choosing the application of sealants, is that most of the sealant
solutions contain BPA.
Dental sealant usually contains BPA, which is a manmade
chemical, in very small amount. The main point of concern about this chemical
is that it poses the safety risk. Nevertheless, dental sealants have been
proven to provide great protection against tooth decay, and dentists are not
sure how dangerous the amount of BPA present in the sealant usually is.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is the short term used instead of the name Bisphenol A.
this chemical is usually included in the food can linings, polycarbonate food
and drink containers, water bottles, and other products which we use every day.
A tiny amount of this chemical is used in the dental sealants. Although this
chemical is quickly broken down by the body, it possesses similar behavior that
of estrogen which is believed to be linked with the increased risk of diseases.
Some studies suggest that BPA is linked with a number of
health conditions which include heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, an increased
risk of miscarriage, and alterations in liver enzymes.
BPA in dental
sealants
The trace amount of BPA is left in the dental sealants
during manufacturing process. This tiny amount of BPA is then released into the
mouth after application of sealants. According to American Dental Association,
BPA is used in the starting phase of sealant manufacturing. At the end of
production, the amount of BPA is usually very tiny.
Since dental sealants are not made to last forever, the BPA
present in the sealants is likely to be ingested.
Risk and benefits
It is unknown whether the amount of BPA present in the
sealants is dangerous but the protection that sealants can provide against a
number of dental health infections is known to everyone. Although many people
are exposed to BPA on daily basis but the major reason for it is not the use of
dental products. This BPA usually comes from processed foods and drinks which
are packed in the cans and bottles. ADA also suggests that the amount of BPA
present in the dental sealants has not been found much of a health risk.
Nevertheless, the safety of your children is surely going to
be your utmost priority. Therefore, you can discuss it with your dentist
whether or not the dental sealants are good for your children.
