Your child's back teeth have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces. These are brilliant for grinding food — but they're also brilliant at trapping food particles and bacteria.

That's where fissure sealant comes in. It's a thin protective coating that your dentist paints onto those chewing surfaces to seal them off.

How Does Fissure Sealant Work?

Think of it like a raincoat for your teeth. The coating flows into all those tiny grooves and pits, then hardens into a smooth surface.

Once sealed, food particles and bacteria can't get trapped in those grooves anymore. That means far fewer cavities in the treated teeth.

The process is quick and completely painless. No injections, no drilling. Your child just has to sit with their mouth open for a few minutes while the sealant dries.

When Should Your Child Get Fissure Sealants?

Most children get them on their permanent molars — the large back teeth that come through around ages six and twelve. These are the teeth most at risk of decay because they're hard to clean properly.

Your dentist will recommend the right time based on when your child's teeth erupt. The sealant works best when applied soon after the tooth comes through, before decay has a chance to start.

Baby teeth can also benefit from fissure sealants in some cases, particularly if they have very deep grooves.

How Long Does Fissure Sealant Last?

Fissure sealants can last several years with normal wear and tear. Your dentist will check them at each check-up and reapply if needed.

They're not a substitute for brushing and flossing — they work alongside good oral hygiene, not instead of it. But they do add a very useful layer of protection.

Is It Worth It?

If your dentist recommends fissure sealants, it's because they believe the benefit outweighs the cost for your child's specific situation. The sealant prevents cavities that would need fillings later — and fillings cost more than sealants do.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to children's teeth. Ask your dentist at the next check-up whether fissure sealants are right for your child.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice