Dental fissures are the natural grooves and ridges on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, especially molars. These grooves and pits are completely natural to your tooth anatomy and almost everyone has them to some degree.
However, problems can arise when these grooves are so deep and narrow that they become difficult to clean with a toothbrush. That means food and bacteria may linger there, even with great at-home hygiene. Over time, this trapped bacteria leads to cavities and tooth decay.
A cavity is an area of tooth decay caused by bacteria. When the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, it produces acid that weakens and erodes your tooth enamel. Over time, this damage will create a hole that will grow bigger if left untreated.
9 in 10 cavities occur in the back teeth. The grooves in back teeth are especially prone to cavities because fissures are narrow and deep, which makes them an easy trap for food, and especially difficult to clean.
Preventing cavities in molars requires special attention and care. Daily hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the foundation of good oral health. If you notice fissures in your molars, or already have cavities in some molars, here are some steps you can take to prevent cavities:
Dental sealants are a protective coating placed directly onto the chewing surface of back teeth. The process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling. Your dental professional simply cleans the grooves, “paints” the sealant material into the grooves, where it bonds to the tooth enamel and hardens to a smooth protective barrier.
Sealants are a smart, simple way to prevent cavities before they start. Plus, sealants are much more affordable than treating a cavity. Compared to the cost of a filling, sealants are a low-cost way to protect your enamel and avoid bigger dental problems down the road.
Sealants offer many advantages, including:
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children when their adult molars first come in, usually starting around age 6, because studies show that school-aged children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. But adults can benefit too! If you have deep grooves in your teeth, sealants are a smart preventive step.
Deep grooves in teeth are natural but can leave smiles vulnerable to cavities. Dental sealants provide an easy, comfortable solution to block decay before it begins—especially for children and teens.
If you want to know whether sealants are right for you or your child, schedule a visit with us. Together, we can build a preventive plan that keeps your smile strong and healthy for years to come.