As parents, you want to set your children up for a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles. Teaching good brushing habits and visiting the dentist regularly are essential steps, but did you know there’s another valuable resource in preventative dental care? It’s fissure sealants.
This quick, comfortable treatment helps protect children’s teeth from cavities and is especially effective for their back molars.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, typically molars and premolars. These areas have natural grooves, known as fissures, where food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped.
Kids’ teeth are often more susceptible to cavities because the grooves are deeper and harder to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. Fissure sealants act as a barrier, covering these grooves and preventing food, plaque, and bacteria from accumulating in the tiny spaces.
How They Work to Prevent Cavities
A member of our team cleans and dries the tooth surface, applies a mild solution to help the sealant bond better, and then places the sealant material on the tooth. A special light is often used to harden the sealant, creating a durable shield that can last for several years with proper dental hygiene.
These protective coatings act as a physical barrier, stopping food particles and bacteria from settling into the grooves. This protection is crucial in cavity prevention, as bacteria are less likely to penetrate and damage the tooth’s enamel when a sealant is in place. For children who may not yet have perfected their brushing technique, sealants are an added layer of defence, helping to prevent decay and promoting long-term oral health.
Why Fissure Sealants Are Ideal for Children
Children’s molars typically come in between the ages of six and twelve, and they’re particularly vulnerable to decay in these early years. Kids are still developing their brushing and flossing habits, and their back teeth can be challenging to clean well. The deep pits and fissures in their molars can easily trap food particles, which bacteria thrive on. The protective coatings take some of the pressure off by making these areas easier to clean and less likely to develop cavities.
Benefits Beyond Cavity Prevention
While the primary purpose of fissure sealants is to prevent cavities, they offer several other advantages. By reducing the likelihood of decay, sealants help maintain the natural structure of your child’s teeth, avoiding the need for fillings or crowns that could weaken the tooth over time. Additionally, keeping teeth free of decay can support better overall oral health, as untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even difficulty eating or speaking.
For parents, investing in these protective coatings for their child’s teeth can lead to fewer dental visits and lower costs associated with cavity treatments. This simple preventative measure is a worthwhile choice for long-term dental health, ensuring your child’s smile stays bright and strong for years to come.
When to Consider Fissure Sealants for Your Child
Fissure sealants are most commonly recommended for children around the age of six when their first permanent molars begin to appear. This timing is ideal because it protects these important teeth from decay as soon as they erupt. A second set of molars typically comes in around age twelve, and applying sealants at this stage can also be beneficial. Some children with particularly deep grooves in their baby teeth may also benefit from sealants, so it’s always best to consult with your dentist.
Dentists Dr Karen Silva or Dr Stefano Burti can advise you on whether these protective coverings are suitable for your child based on their individual oral health needs. Once applied, sealants can last several years, but regular check-ups will ensure they remain intact and effective.
Ready to Safeguard Your Child’s Smile?
Contact Morton Dental today to schedule a consultation and discover the long-lasting benefits of fissure sealants for your child. Our practice is pleased to accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CBDS), which covers this treatment.
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* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.