Dentsply: Sealants are safe

Dentsply has supported dentistry officials by confirming sealants are safe.

Sealants are used to prevent tooth decay by being painted onto children’s molars. They have attracted concern due to small traces of bisphenol-A (BPA) ? a chemical with effects similar to oestrogen – being found in them.

However, Dentsply International’s Linda C Niessen, quoted in the New York Times, said the American Dental Association (ADA) maintains any exposure to BPA from a dental sealant is “significantly lower and occurs infrequently” compared to other sources of the chemical, such as from drinks cans and food packaging.

Dr Leslie Seldin, consumer advisor for the ADA, added sealants are “enormously valuable” in preventing tooth decay and the issue “is so minuscule in impact that it doesn’t really warrant the attention it’s been getting”.

Products available from Dentsply include hand instruments, x-ray accessories and items for preventative, restorative, endodontic and whitening treatments. Its Product of the Month is SmartCem2 self-adhesive cement.