I understand there are possible risks involved in dental sealants due to the hormones released. Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. 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.