Kids Dental Fissure Sealants And Fluoride Applications

What Are Fissure Sealants and Remineralising Agents?

Dental caries has been shown to most commonly affect the biting surfaces of the baby and permanent molars. This is because these teeth often have deep grooves on their biting surfaces that trap plaque and caries-causing bacteria. The picture below the formation of initial caries as dark “stains” within these grooves.

After Caries Risk Assessment, a dentist may recommend “sealing” over these grooves with a fluid that hardens to form a protective layer over the tooth. Fissure sealants thus act as a preventive measure in particularly caries-prone surfaces and are especially important if oral hygiene in these areas prove difficult. Healthy saliva flow and composition contribute to caries prevention.

Some products available on the market serve to simulate the protective effects of saliva to reverse early signs of decay or remineralise the teeth. Because scientific evidence for their efficacy is sometimes limited, these products should be used only after a careful clinical assessment and with regular follow-ups.

Bear in mind that the most effective and reliable remineralising agent available is still an appropriate strength fluoride toothpaste.

And a new, improved smile