As Wisconsin looks to ban Bisphenol A from children’s drink cups, some dentists are concerned of the chemical’s use in plastic teeth sealants. BPA is believed to mimic estrogen in the human body.”That’s not something that you want to have children ingesting or eating,” says Dr. Tom Gelhaus, “Unfortunately these sealants that we’ve been putting in for years have BPA in them.”
Gelhaus says children with sealants, which are used to coat the top of the back teeth, are eight times less likely to get cavities than those without the protection. The Clark County dentist says he’s switched to a glass ionomer sealant that does the trick, with none of the risks associated with BPA.
Not all dentists have made the switch, and parents may want to ask their provider about sealants.
Meanwhile the Assembly Tuesday overwhelmingly approved banning BPA from use in drink containers used by kid’s three and younger. Previous Senate approval paves the way for Governor Jim Doyle’s signature, who is expected to approve the measure.
Paul Knoff-WCCN (:62)