Pit and Fissure Sealants for Kids

It is relatively arduous to ask kids to brush their teeth properly. They always have tantrums while brushing and avoid brushing in the areas like the back of the mouth that are more susceptible to tooth decay or cavities. Pits and fissures are considered natural in tooth anatomy and can increase over time. That is why dentists use pit and fissure dental sealants for kids. 

Dive deep into the article to know what and how it is effective for your little one.

What Are Pit and Fissure Sealants?

Pit and fissure sealants protect your kid’s teeth from decay. Applying them is a safe and painless dental procedure. The sealant is a plastic coating that your dentist applies on the biting surface of the back teeth. It stops the food and bacteria from getting into the tiny holes that can lead to tooth decay. It is a preventive measure for those children who are more prone to tooth decay or dental cavities.

How Do Sealants Work?

Pit and fissure Sealants prevent food from lodging in highly vulnerable areas and save your child’s teeth from caries. Also, since it contains fluoride, it restores and provides protection to the other teeth too. The sealants form a smooth protective layer over the grooves and pits and fissures on the tooth’s surface. This protective layer protects the teeth from attracting bacteria that can lead to decay or cavities by preventing food particles from accumulating in these pits and fissures.

The Procedure of Applying Pit and Fissure Sealants

The procedure of applying a dental sealant is relatively straightforward and easy. First, the dentist thoroughly cleans and prepares the tooth with a special solution. The solution is left for some time to dry. After that, a liquid sealant is applied to the tooth and set using a blue light. The procedure is entirely painless. The kid might feel strange about biting at first, and it may taste a bit strange too.

Aftercare for Pit and Fissure Sealants

Some patients avoid brushing the tooth even after applying the sealants. However, it is really very important to brush your teeth to keep them clean and healthy throughout. Cleaning your teeth appropriately and maintaining a properly balanced diet ensures that the sealants last longer.

Also, it is essential to visit your dentist for a thorough checkup to ensure that it is still intact. They wear off sometimes, which can be reapplied and replaced to save the tooth from tooth decay.