Sealants, fluoride are beneficial.(Oral Care)(Brief Article)

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- A new analysis of dental claims data shows that sealants and professional fluoride treatments play significant roles in helping children fight tooth decay.

Analysts from the Data and Analysis Center (DAC), an investor-owned company made up of dental science experts and business analysts, tracked dental benefits claims submitted with the Delta Dental Plans Association from 1998 to 2003 for nearly 500,000 patients from age 6 to 15. Delta Dental is a national network of organizations specializing in dental benefits programs to 45 million Americans.

DAC data shows that children who received sealants were 78% less likely to require fillings. And …