The biting surfaces of children’s teeth can be protected using ‘sealants’. These make the tooth surface smoother and easier to clean, and stop decay starting in the difficult to clean areas.

The teeth in the back of the mouth (molars and premolars) have numerous pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Some areas of these teeth are often difficult to clean, even with vigorous tooth-brushing. By painting sealant over pits and fissures in the chewing surfaces of back teeth, food is prevented from being trapped, and tooth decay is avoided.

Fissure sealant can be applied by your dentist or dental hygienist. It is a fairly quick procedure, and it can be done once the premolars and molars have fully erupted.

Sealants do wear from chewing and may become damaged over time. Even so, dental sealants may remain effective for five years or longer.