What Are Dental Sealants and Who Should Get Them?

Dental sealants, also known as fissure sealants, are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—molars and premolars—from tooth decay. These teeth often have deep grooves, known as fissures, which can easily trap plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Even with regular brushing, these grooves can be hard to clean thoroughly.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants are made of a tooth-coloured biocompatible resin. This material is carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, where it flows into the grooves and is then hardened using a special light. Once sealed, the surface becomes smooth and significantly easier to keep clean—reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 14, particularly when their first and second molars begin to erupt. However, adults with deep fissures or a history of dental decay may also benefit from this simple and effective treatment.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

✅ Prevent Tooth Decay: Sealants block out food and plaque from hard-to-clean grooves.
✅ Tooth-Coloured: They blend naturally with your teeth.
✅ Non-Invasive: The application is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or anaesthetic.
✅ Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years, though regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor their condition.

Why Choose Dental Sealants?

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Dental sealants are a proactive way to protect your child’s teeth before decay sets in. They are a cost-effective and safe solution to maintain long-term oral health.

According to the popular saying, Prevention is better than cure, it is beneficial to get fissures sealed before they can develop decay!