Dental sealants consist of a plastic material that is applied to the tooth enamel. Sealants provide an added layer of protection against cavities for children and adults. They are most effective on the chewing surfaces of the molars and pre-molars. Yes, a few studies have found that chemicals from some plastic resins commonly used in dental sealants and composite fillings can leach out from the material and imitate the effects of estrogen. Estrogen is a natural female hormone that promotes estrus and stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics.
Many questions remain unanswered.
For example, it is not clear if the chemicals detected in saliva after sealants were applied actually entered the bloodstream or if they were metabolically broken down by the body. Other studies suggest that the amount of leached chemicals are very small and dissipate quickly after sealant placement. The estrogenic effects of leached chemicals from dental sealants have yet to be demonstrated in normal human cells. Therefore, the risks are still unclear and unsubstantiated. The next round of research must determine if the estrogenic effects from dental sealants and composites are a realistic concern for the patient and dentist in a clinical environment.