If your dentist has mentioned fissure sealants for your child, you might be wondering what they are and whether they are really needed. Here is a simple guide for parents.
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have natural grooves and pits, called fissures. They can be very deep and narrow, much narrower than a toothbrush bristle, which makes them easy places for food and bacteria to collect and hard to clean. That is why most tooth decay in children starts on these surfaces.
A fissure sealant is a thin, protective coating that is painted onto these grooves. It flows into the pits, sets hard and creates a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean.
Applying sealants is quick and completely painless. There are no anaesthetics and no drilling:
Each tooth takes just a few minutes.
Sealants are usually placed on the permanent back teeth (molars) soon after they come through. The first permanent molars usually appear at around six or seven years old, and the second molars at around eleven to thirteen. The sooner they are sealed after coming through, the better.
For many children, yes. Research shows that sealants significantly reduce the risk of decay on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are especially helpful for children who have had decay before, have deep grooves in their teeth or find brushing tricky.
Sealants do not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste, but they are an excellent extra layer of protection.
Sealants can last several years. We check them at every check-up and top them up or replace them if they wear or chip.
Fissure sealants are available on the NHS where your dentist feels they are clinically needed, and NHS dental care is free for under 18s. Privately, fissure sealing at Castle Street costs from £28 per tooth.
We will let you know whether sealants would benefit your child. Call us on 01494 527 971 to book.
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