The Effect of Sealants on Dental Caries

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sealants on the incidence of caries among children. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of the oral health of Chicago schoolchildren was conducted for the years 2000-01. The population comprised the records of 2,157 children, from 15 public and private schools, ages 6 to 14, participating in the School-Based Oral Health Program. Results: A detailed analysis of caries prevalence shows a skewed distribution; while D(M)FT equals 0.82 and caries free reaches 70% (DMFT=0); 25% of the children accounts for 90% of the caries experience (SiC=3), indicating the presence of a high-risk group. Regression analysis proved significant association of caries status with age, race (Hispanic), address, low socioeconomic status, and presence of fillings and sealants (p<0.01). 9% of surveyed children presented sealants on their permanent teeth (mode=2), and 14% of them presented caries on their permanent teeth (D(M)FT=0.75). The probability of having a carious tooth is 25% for Chicago schoolchildren. If the child present sealants caries probability lowers to 14%; whereas, in the lack of sealants probability reaches 26%. The mean effect of the treatment on the general population is 1%, while on the treated population is 11%. Second graders benefit the most from this practice, their caries probability is 14%; however, for those children with sealants probability approaches only 7%.

Conclusions: Results indicate the need to aim preventive and restorative programs at the whole population along with specific high-risk groups and individuals. Future community-based projects should reflect the application of new epidemiologic data as well as a careful evaluation of the results achieved by current preventive programs.