Fissure sealants are one of the most effective preventive treatments available for children’s teeth, and one of the least discussed. For parents who want to protect their children’s permanent teeth before decay has any chance to take hold, sealants are worth understanding.
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth, the molars and premolars, are not flat. They are covered in pits and fissures, the grooves and channels that give the teeth their biting texture. These fissures are often too narrow for a toothbrush bristle to enter. Food particles and bacteria collect in them, and decay can begin in these areas even in a child who brushes well.
A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating, usually a tooth-coloured resin material, that is painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth and hardened with a curing light. The sealant fills the pits and fissures, creating a smooth, cleanable surface that plaque and food cannot penetrate.
The procedure is painless, requires no drilling, and takes only a few minutes per tooth.
Sealants are most commonly applied to the first permanent molars, which typically erupt around age six to seven, and the second permanent molars, which usually arrive around age twelve to thirteen. These teeth are most vulnerable in the years immediately after they erupt, when children are still refining their oral hygiene habits.
Applying sealants at the right moment, early in the life of the tooth, offers the greatest protective benefit.
The evidence is clear. The Cochrane Collaboration’s systematic review of fissure sealants found that sealed teeth had significantly lower rates of decay than unsealed teeth across all age groups studied. Sealants are particularly cost-effective because the cost of applying them is a fraction of the cost of treating decay if it develops.
For children with naturally deep fissures, a history of previous decay, or a diet that includes regular sugar exposure, sealants are an especially strong recommendation.
Sealants can last several years, though they do need to be checked at each dental appointment and reapplied if they show signs of wear. A sealant that is intact is still protecting the tooth beneath it. Regular check-ups ensure that sealants are functioning as they should.
To discuss fissure sealants for your child at Berkhamsted Dental, book an appointment today.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
