Dangers of Dental Tooth Sealant

Dental sealants are a thin layer of plastic varnish applied to the molars to reduce the possibility of cavities. Dental sealants are typically applied once a child loses his baby teeth, but there are some risks with dental sealants.

Features

• According to Dr. Frederick S. vom Saal, the plastic used in dental sealants contains bisphenol-A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor. In addition to BPA, dental sealants also contain ethyltoulene sufonamide, a known toxin.

Side Effects

• According to Verigin Dental Health Team of Northern California, BPA mimics estrogen in the body and can stunt sexual development in boys and cause early onset of puberty in girls. BPA has also been linked to diabetes and cancer.

Function

• A chief concern with dental sealants is that the plastic molecules used within them never completely bond, so the plastic isn't inert, meaning it can leach chemicals into the child's mouth and bloodstream, possibly provoking allergic reactions and immune system disruption, according to Dr. Gary Verigin.

Expert Insight

• Dr. Omar Amin of the Parasitology Center, Inc. in Tempe, Arizona, undertook a study in 2004 that linked dental sealants to increased cases of neurocutaneous syndrome. NCS causes pus-filled lesions to form on the skin and makes the sufferer more vulnerable to other infections.

Benefits

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants help prevent decay of the back molars, where most children and teenagers get the majority of cavities.