Protect teeth from decay with fissure sealants
Fissures are the deep grooves within the biting surfaces of the back teeth that can be difficult to keep clean because they are so narrow. Every time you eat or drink, food and bacteria can enter the fissures, which can eventually lead to tooth decay.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are a plastic coating that cover these difficult to reach grooves, protecting teeth from possible decay.
They are normally applied to permanent teeth as they start to emerge (usually between 6 and 7 years) and further applications can be made as other teeth begin to show.
What does treatment involve?
Fissures are the deep grooves within the biting surfaces of the back teeth that can be difficult to keep clean because they are so narrow. Every time you eat or drink, food and bacteria can enter the fissures, which can eventually lead to tooth decay. The process is quick and easy and usually only takes a couple of minutes per tooth.
Sealants can last for years but will need regularly checking to ensure the protective coating is still intact, and although treated teeth are much better protected, they will still need regular brushing.
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish can be used to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. It is a safe, concentrated form of fluoride that helps to make enamel more resistant to attacks from acid.
The pleasantly flavoured varnish is applied to dried tooth surfaces using a soft brush. It sets quickly when it comes into contact with saliva to form a protective layer.
Your child should not eat or drink for 30 minutes following the procedure and should only eat soft foods for the rest of the day to enable the varnish to stay on the teeth for longer.
