PIT & FISSURE SEALANTS
Teeth have natural dips or grooves in them, known as pits and fissures. It’s all very groovy in one sense, but when it comes to keeping your children’s teeth clean and free of cavities, pits and fissures aren’t groovy at all.
Pits and fissures house bacteria and other substances which can cause tooth decay in children, and these grooves can’t always be properly cleaned with a normal toothbrush.
Dentists have developed pit and fissure sealants which can fill and seal the grooves in children’s teeth and prevent bacteria getting in. They make teeth easier to clean and reduce the risk a child will experience tooth decay.
Fissure sealants are recommended for filling the adult or primary teeth of children who have a high risk of developing cavities. And even children who brush and floss regularly can be considered high risk, depending for example on the amount of fluoride they consume and the shape of their teeth (particularly the groovy parts).
Children are not always able to clean their teeth properly with a normal toothbrush.
Pit and fissure sealants may make it easier for your child to clean their teeth properly, especially if they have deep and narrow pits and grooves in their teeth.
Dentists may recommend sealants for your child even if they brush and floss their teeth regularly.