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Science&Technology Essential Updates for Your Practice |
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Sealants: glass ionomer or resin-based? The February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) features a 24-month study comparing resin-based and glass ionomer sealants on partially erupted permanent molars in patients ages 5 through 9 years. The authors evaluated the materials based on retention, marginal staining and cariostatic properties. The study concludes that resin-based and glass ionomer sealants exhibited similar retention rates at 24 months. However, marginal staining was lower in the glass ionomer group, and the authors found no caries in teeth in this group. The authors found that glass ionomer sealants may be a better choice when salivary contamination is expected. The study states the benefits of glass ionomer sealants include their high fluoride release, moisture friendliness and reduced chair time. Click here to read the entire study published in JADA. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs released evidence-based clinical recommendations for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants in 2008. To prevent caries in at-risk patients, the Council recommended the placement of sealants in pits and fissures of:
Click to review the clinical recommendations for pit-and-fissure sealants and to download the sealants chairside guide. For the Dental Patient Click here for the handout titled, "Your child's growing smile." Other titles can be downloaded from ADA.org. More patient education information can be purchased through the ADA Catalog at a discount for ADA members. To review the popular titles below about children's dental health, visit adacatalog.org or call 1-800-947-4746.
Oral Care Products The ADA created the Seal of Acceptance in 1931 to protect consumers from false advertising and unsafe products, including tooth powders made of chalk and a "remedy" for gum disease that contained enough sulfuric acid to act as a drain opener. Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory authority over oral care products, however, the criteria the ADA uses for awarding the Seal are frequently more demanding than those of the FDA. Participation in the ADA Seal program is voluntary. Products are evaluated at the request of a distributor or manufacturer. More than 150 scientists, many from leading universities, with expertise in dental materials, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry serve as consultants to the ADA in evaluating products. When evaluating products, scientists are looking for:
Not all products submitted earn the Seal, primarily due to insufficient data to prove safety and effectiveness. It's not unusual for the ADA to ask a company to do additional product testing. Your patients trust you. Make sure they use the products you trust. Recommend products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. |
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