Key messages
- Fissure sealants are put over grooves on the surfaces of your teeth.
- The fissure sealant blocks food and bacteria sticking in deep grooves.
- It is a common treatment for children and teenagers.
- The fissure sealant is usually white or clear and can include fluoride.
- Not every child or every tooth needs fissure sealants.
What are fissures?
Fissures are the grooves that are naturally present on the top, biting surface of the back teeth. These grooves can be very thin and deep. This can cause food and bacteria to get stuck.
When food and bacteria keep getting stuck over and over again, it can increase the risk of tooth decay developing inside the grooves.
What is a fissure sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin layer of dental filling material is placed over the grooves of the teeth. It is done to prevent food and bacteria from sticking in the grooves and to decrease the risk of tooth decay developing.
Fissure sealants are most commonly placed in the grooves of the back adult molar teeth in children and teenagers. Sometimes other teeth may also need fissure sealant treatment. The filling material is commonly white or clear. Sometimes the filling material will include fluoride for even more protection. Using your teeth can cause the fissure sealant to wear away over time.
Not every child needs fissure sealants. Your dentist will let you know if this treatment is recommended for your child’s teeth.
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