However thoroughly you brush your teeth, it is all but impossible to get rid of every last bit of bacteria in food. This is especially true for the back teeth, which are harder to reach and have a chewing surface that is made up of tiny grooves. These fissures are too small for the bristles of a toothbrush to effectively clean, but they are still large enough for small particles of bacteria and plaque to build up inside.
There are several options for keeping these grooves clean, with regular visits to a dental hygienist being one of the more effective ways to ensure that your teeth are fully free of plaque. There is, however, a more long-term solution to ensure that the fissures of your back teeth remain completely protected from potential decay.
Fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are a protective coating of resin that can be applied to teeth to fill gaps and prevent bacteria from building up in those hard to clean areas. They do this by filling and sealing the chewing surface of a tooth. This process is quick and easy, while often being almost impossible to see due to the location of the treated teeth at the back of the mouth. Fissure sealants can benefit adults and children alike, and last for years – providing long-term protection.
With fissure sealants, no drilling or invasive techniques are necessary, and the entire process is completely pain-free. Better yet, there's no necessary upkeep or special care required to maintain the layer. Simply brush properly and regularly as per normal.
A preventative measure
The key benefit of fissure sealants over other methods of combating tooth decay – such as fillings – is that it is a preventative process. Preventative dentistry at City Dentists is all about ensuring that your teeth are provided with optimum protection. Rather than simply waiting for decay to occur and then treat it with a more serious procedure, fissure sealants help to make sure that it simply doesn't happen in the first place. This is part of the reason why many parents have their kids' teeth treated this way.
In addition, preventative dentistry helps to avoid having to fork out for a more expensive treatment further down the line, while also providing peace of mind for those who might have a slight phobia of dentistry. Fissure sealants can save time, money and help to combat decay and cavities, so be sure to check with your dentist whether they are right for you or your family.