Ask the Dentist: The Benefits of Fissure Sealants for Children and Adults
The Benefits of Fissure Sealants for Children and Adults
As dental professionals at My Local Dentists, serving families across Sydney, we are dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, long-lasting smiles. One often-overlooked but highly effective preventive dental treatment is the use of fissure sealants. Designed to protect teeth from decay, fissure sealants offer a simple, pain-free solution for both children and adults. In this blog, we explore the numerous benefits of fissure sealants, answer common questions, and debunk myths to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure Sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the surfaces of the teeth that are grooved and creviced—primarily the sides and biting surfaces of the molars and premolars but sometimes even on the surfaces of the front teeth if they are grooved or pitted. Sometimes the teeth have grooves and pits that can easily trap food particles and bacteria, making them especially vulnerable to cavities. Sealants create a protective barrier that blocks out plaque and acids, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. Much like how school books have a plastic contact cover on books to protect the books and keep them clean, fissure sealants are designed to protect the teeth from plaque, germs and tooth decay and keep them clean.
Sealants are typically applied in a quick and painless procedure that does not usually require drilling or anaesthesia. The dentist cleans the tooth, applies an acidic gel to roughen the surface, rinses and dries the tooth, and then paints on the sealant, which is hardened using a special UV curing light.
Who Should Get Fissure Sealants?
Children and Teenagers
Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are particularly susceptible to cavities in their molars. Applying Fissure Sealants soon after their permanent molars come in can protect these vulnerable teeth during the cavity-prone years. Not everyone’s teeth are the same but fissure sealants will be especially useful if the teeth are really grooved and creviced and easy to catch plaque and stains.
Adults
While sealants are often associated with children, adults can also benefit—especially those who are prone to decay, have deep grooves in their molars, or have not previously had cavities in those teeth. Preventive care isn’t age-specific, and many adults can turn to Fissure Sealants to protect their teeth and help them last longer.
High-Risk Individuals
Patients with certain medical conditions, such as dry mouth (xerostomia) or those undergoing orthodontic treatment, may also benefit from sealants as part of a comprehensive preventive care strategy.
Benefits of Fissure Sealants
1. Effective Cavity Prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80% in children and adolescents. By providing a physical barrier against plaque, food particles, and bacteria, sealants significantly lower the chance of decay.
2. Cost-Effective Preventive Measure
Preventing cavities before they occur can save money on more extensive treatments like fillings, root canals, and crowns. Fissure Sealants are a relatively inexpensive option, often covered by health insurance, especially for children.
3. Quick and Painless Application
The sealant procedure is straightforward, non-invasive, and typically completed in just one dental visit. This makes it ideal for children and individuals with dental anxiety.
4. Long-Lasting Protection
Fissure Sealants can last between 5 to 10 years with proper care, making them a durable and reliable solution. Regular dental checkups will help your dentist monitor and maintain the sealants.
5. Enhanced Oral Hygiene
By smoothing out the chewing surfaces of molars, sealants make it easier to brush and remove food particles. This promotes better overall oral hygiene, reducing the risk of other oral health issues.
6. Suitable for All Ages
Whether you’re 7 or 70, Fissure Sealants can play a vital role in your oral health strategy. They are especially useful for patients who are at a higher risk for decay or those with deep grooves in their teeth.
How Long Do Fissure Sealants Last?
Fissure Sealants can last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on several factors:
- Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing extend the life of your sealants.
- Diet: A diet high in sticky, sugary foods or an acidic diet can wear down the sealant faster.
- Tooth Grinding (Bruxism): This can cause sealants to chip or break.
- Chewing Habits: Chewing on hard objects like pens or ice can damage sealants.
During your routine check-ups at My Local Dentists, your dentist will inspect the condition of your sealants and reapply them if necessary to maintain optimal protection.
Common Myths About Fissure Sealants
Myth #1: “Sealants are only for kids.”
Truth: While children are the primary candidates, adults can also benefit from sealants, especially if they are cavity-prone or have not had previous decay.
Myth #2: “Sealants contain harmful chemicals.”
Truth: Fissure Sealants are safe and approved by dental associations worldwide. Some concerns have been raised about BPA in dental products, but the levels in sealants are extremely low and considered safe by the Australian Dental Association. Visit the ADA website on Fissure Sealants.
Myth #3: “Sealants are a money-making scheme.”
Truth: Sealants are a preventive treatment that saves money in the long run by avoiding more costly and invasive procedures. At My Local Dentists, we prioritise your health and recommend sealants only when they are in your best interest.
Why Choose My Local Dentists in Sydney for Your Sealants?
We understand that every patient is unique, which is why our team at My Local Dentists offers personalised treatment plans for families, children, and adults across Sydney. When you choose us, you benefit from:
- Experienced Dentists: Our team is highly trained in preventive care.
- Modern Technology: We use the latest techniques and materials for long-lasting sealants.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Our clinics are designed to make dental visits comfortable and stress-free.
- Affordable Pricing: We provide clear pricing, and many of our treatments are covered by dental insurance and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Tips for Maintaining Your Fissure Sealants
- Brush Twice Daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks that can lead to decay and the fissure sealants coming loose.
- Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects like pens or ice.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Final Thoughts
Fissure Sealants are a powerful, preventive tool that can protect children and adults from dental cavities and maintain optimal oral health for years. At My Local Dentists, we are proud to offer this treatment as part of our commitment to excellence in family and general dentistry across Sydney.
Whether you’re a parent looking to protect your child’s teeth or an adult interested in preventive care, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book Your Appointment Today
Ready to take the next step in preventive dental care? Contact My Local Dentists today to schedule your dental sealant consultation. With convenient locations across Sydney, high-quality dental care has never been closer.
References:
- Australian Dental Association. “Preventive Dental Care.” www.ada.org.au
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Fissure Sealants.” www.cdc.gov
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Seal Out Tooth Decay.” www.nidcr.nih.gov
- Mayo Clinic. “Fissure Sealants: When and Why They’re Used.” www.mayoclinic.org