Fissure Sealants & Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is all the steps we take to care for our teeth to keep them healthy. Working together we can help you develop good habits and maintain healthy teeth for life.
What is preventative dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is all about caring for your teeth and gums. Things like brushing your teeth at home, eating healthy food and visiting your dentist for regular check ups are all part of preventative dentistry.
For children, learning about oral hygiene and developing good habits from an early age helps to prevent more serious problems developing later. For adults, preventative dentistry can delay or help to avoid issues like cavities, gum problems (eg gingivitis), bad breath and other serious health concerns linked to poor oral health including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are used to prevent tooth decay. A white or clear resin is applied to the tooth to form a protective layer to stop the bacteria that causes plaque from forming and causing cavities. Fissure sealants are most often used on the back molars where you have the deepest grooves. They can also be used on spots where there is already some tooth decay to prevent it from getting worse.
Do you recommend fissure sealants for kids?
Often fissure sealants are applied to children when the first molars appear at around six years old; and again when the second and third molars appear at around 13 years. Our dentists may recommend fissure sealants for both children and adults if you have deep grooves or pits in your teeth. Not all teeth will need fissure sealants and we will only recommend them if it is right for you.
What to expect at your appointment
Fissure sealants are quick and painless. Firstly, our dentists will clean your tooth and prepare the tooth surface for the sealant. We will then apply and harden the sealant before checking your bite. The procedure usually takes a few minutes for each tooth.
Looking after your teeth at home
Preventative dentistry starts with having a great relationship with your dentist. Together we can keep your smile looking its best and keep your teeth and mouth healthy at every stage of life.
Ask your dentist if you have any questions about fissure sealants or things to look after your teeth at home in between visits.
How many of these preventative dentistry practices do you already do?
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your tongue to help remove bacteria from your mouth.
Floss daily using correct technique or use interdental brushes to clean tight spaces between your teeth.
Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary foods and drinks.
See your dentist regularly for a check up and clean.
