Fissure Sealants – What Parents Need to Know

Fissure sealants are a simple, effective way to help protect your child’s back teeth from decay. They’re a thin plastic coating applied to the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars, where food and plaque easily get stuck.

Why do children need them?

Back teeth have tiny grooves that are hard to clean properly — even with good brushing. These grooves can trap food and bacteria, which can lead to cavities. Sealants help by covering these areas and making the tooth surface smoother and easier to keep clean.

When are they done?

The first adult molars usually come through around age 6, and the second set around 11 to 14. We recommend sealing them soon after they erupt, before decay has a chance to start.

Is the procedure painful?

Not at all. No drilling, no needles. We just clean the tooth, apply a special solution, and then place the sealant. It’s quick and completely pain-free.

What care is needed afterwards?

Sealants don’t need any special care. Your child just needs to keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and come in for regular dental check-ups. Sealants help a lot, but they’re not a replacement for good daily care.