Fissure sealants can help to protect your children’s teeth from tooth decay.
Fissure sealants are a preventative dental treatment that is particularly helpful in preventing tooth decay in children. The procedure is painless, and fissure sealants can go a long way in maintaining overall oral health. But are they safe? Read on to find out more about the treatment, how effective it is, and if it is right for your child…
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are a thin protective coating that is applied to the teeth to protect hard-to-reach areas from tooth decay and cavities. The procedure itself is relatively quick and simple and does not cause any pain. Fissure sealants are considered both safe and effective. They can last for many years, although regular dental visits are recommended so that your dentist can check for wear and tear every six months or so. If your dentist notices that a sealant has worn away, they may recommend a replacement or touch-up treatment. This will ensure that decay cannot develop underneath the sealant.
How do they work?
Fissure sealants are made from a special kind of plastic that is painted onto the chewing surface of the teeth. The sealant works by providing a protective layer that prevents food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in the teeth.
Before fissure sealants are placed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and prepared. The sealant is then painted onto the teeth and left to harden for a few minutes. In some cases, a light may be used to speed up this hardening process.
Are they safe?
Fissure sealants are a safe treatment for children. They can help to improve and maintain children’s oral health by preventing decay and cavities. Although proper oral hygiene is very important when it comes to taking care of the teeth, children often do not master their brushing and flossing techniques until they are older, which is why it is important to protect hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as the back molars.
With the exception of rare allergies, there are no side effects associated with the process of having fissure sealants applied. If you have concerns regarding the sealant compounds or suspect that your child may be allergic to some or all of the compounds, we encourage you to chat with your dentist before going ahead with the treatment. Your dentist will be able to address your concerns and answer any questions that you might have.
Why are preventative treatments so important?
When it comes to your child’s oral health, prevention is the best method of care. Unfortunately, tooth decay is a very common problem in infants and young children as the importance of baby teeth is so often overlooked. What many parents don’t realise is that the condition of your child’s baby teeth lays the foundation for their future oral health. Baby teeth are necessary for maintaining the function and appearance of your child’s teeth and can also have an important impact on their eating and speaking habits. Baby teeth have very soft enamel, which is why they prone to decay and why it is so important that they are properly taken care of.
How can we help?
At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, we offer several children’s dentistry services, including fissure sealants. Many of the cavities that occur in children’s teeth occur in the deep pits and grooves of the molar teeth, which is why we recommend that fissure sealants are applied to these areas. Fissure sealants help to protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and plaque, making them a great preventative measure for decay.
Besides fissure sealants, we also offer regular check-ups for children, as well as orthodontics. If you would like to find out more about fissure sealants and the other children’s dentistry services that we offer at Crookes & Jenkins Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, get in touch with us here or give us a call on 07 3367 1122.