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Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an origanic compound used primarily to make polycarbonate and epoxy resins. While BPA has been found in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, there is some discussion that its presence in dental sealants may be harmful as well. Sealant material can be of 2 types: resin-based and glass ionomer cements. BPA can be found in some composite resins and pit and fissure sealants, and the danger is that some of the BPA will leach out and be found in saliva immediately after placement of the resin.
BPA is an organic compound that mimics estrogen and can induce hormonal response, stimulating estrogen-sensitive cell growth. A study conducted in 2007 revealed that BPA levels in humans were higher than those causing harm in laboratory animals. Further, there is concern that BPA at current levels has an effect on infant brain development and children.
The United States National Toxicology Program agreed with those findings, submitting its own report in 2008. The concerns covered the effects on the prostate gland, mammary gland, and an earlier age for puberty in females. However, the report also indicated little concern that exposure to BPA presents a problem for pregnant women or adults. In April of this year, the Canadian government classified the chemical as “toxic to human health and the environment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found BPA in the urine of 93% of children and adults tested in 2003 to 2004. Literature review indicates that at this time, no significant levels of BPA have been detected where ADA-approved sealants have been placed. The ADA states that there is no cause for concern about potential exposure to BPA from composites or sealants at this time, but it is presently supporting further research on exposure levels and health effects. When placing dental sealants, treat the surface layer of the sealant to reduce the possibility of unpolymerized BPA remaining on the tooth, thus avoiding possible BPA toxicity. The following treatments are pumicing the surface of the sealant immediately after placement, having older children rinse with lukewarm water for 30 seconds, or washing the surface of the sealant for 30 seconds with air/water while suctioning.
(Source: Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, July 2008)
