If a child has preventive sealants placed, but then the sealant is totally or partially lost, is that tooth more susceptible to dental caries? I get this question from time to time. I am pleased to say that the answer I have been giving is backed up by a review of several scientific studies. Teeth with fully or partially lost sealants were not at a higher risk of developing caries than were teeth that had never been sealed.
Hey, kids chew ice and other things that may cause a sealant to chip or wear off. Most sealants are supposed to last from 5 -7 years if you take care of them. Sometimes they do not last 5-7 months on some kids. Still it is reassuring that there is not a higher risk.
Of course, there are studies that show teeth sealed have a lower incidence of caries-that's why we recommend them.
Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 140, No. 4pp. 415-423, 2009.
Monday, April 13, 2009
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14 comments:
Hi Dr. Brandon,
I'm a physician and former faculty member at Harvard and Stanford Medical Schools. I discovered your blog while looking for the best health writers on the web. I reviewed your posts, and think your writing would be a great addition to the Dental Health Community on Wellsphere, a top 5 health website that has nearly 5 million visitors monthly. If you would like to learn more about how you can join our Health Blogger Network, republish your blog posts and be featured on the Wellsphere platform, just drop me an email at dr.rutledge@wellsphere.com.
Cheers,
Geoff
Just returned from out of the country. I'll check this out.
I find your site very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing this post.
Kids eh!
I agree - great writing. Keep it up.
I also had this question, so your answer is really helpful. children should take care of their teeth as well, because afterwards it may be too late.
Thank you! That was helpful..
Very informative blog post indeed. You've answered one of the most frequently asked questions. You explained it very simple and easily understood by most people.
The sealant is quickly set to form a durable plastic coating, some sealants have fluoride release to further strengthen teeth. The bite will be checked to ensure it is correct and comfortable. The bite should not feel any different.
So it is a bit hard but easy process..
Thanks for the post and a great site. We get the the question about sealants fairly often as well and appreciate the supporting info.
Very informative site. I'm going to keep checking here for information. Also check out http://thedentalassistant.com
It's really great Writing.
Thanks
I routinely place sealants on permanant molars of children who have high caries risk. I have always believed in them. Thanks for sharing your position on dental sealants.
Hi,
This is the assistant editor for Hospital.com which is a medical publication offering hospital news, information and reviews. We also cover a wide variety of medical issues, one of which being Children's Health and the importance of choosing the right hospital. You will notice articles on this topic under Children's tab. If possible I would like Hospital.com to be included within your blog roll, offering our information as a resource to your readers. Please let me know if this addition can be made.
Please email me back with your URL in subject line to take a step ahead and to avoid spam.
Thank you
Mary Miller,
may.hospital.com@gmail.com
Mary, at the present time, I amonly posting Pediatric Dentistry Links that are appropriate for this blog. I will however, have this post, well...posted. Thanks and I will keep up with your site. Who knows, I may change things later on.
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