Is it okay to do pit and fissure sealing for children?

Fissure sealing is a very common dental treatment method. Through pit and fissure sealing, various problems existing in teeth can be treated, and common oral problems such as tooth decay can also be prevented. For children, there are still certain benefits to doing pit and fissure sealing, but when doing it, you must choose a regular dental hospital. Next, I will introduce you to the relevant knowledge about pit and fissure sealing!

1. Function

The occlusal surface (the side for chewing food) of the back teeth in everyone's mouth is uneven, and the concave areas are called pits and fissures. If these pits and fissures are not well developed, they will be very deep, and food and bacteria will get embedded in them, making tooth decay (also called "cavities") very likely to occur. Medically, this type of caries is called pit and fissure caries. According to oral epidemiological surveys, more than 90% of caries among Chinese adolescents occur in pits and fissures. The "sixth-year molar" is a common site for pit and fissure caries. It is the first permanent molar to erupt, has the strongest chewing function, and is most susceptible to caries, and may even fall out prematurely, so it is important to protect children's first permanent molars. Pit and fissure sealing is the most effective method to prevent pit and fissure caries in permanent molars.

2. Indications

There are many factors involved in deciding whether to perform pit and fissure sealing, the most important of which are the appearance and evaluation of the pits and fissures.

1) Deep pits and fissures, especially those that can get stuck in the probe (including suspected caries).

2) The patient's other teeth, especially the opposite teeth with the same name, have caries or are prone to caries.

3. Best time

The best time to seal pits and fissures is when the teeth are fully erupted and caries has not yet occurred.

1) When children’s teeth erupt and reach the occlusal plane, it is suitable for pit and fissure sealing, usually within 4 years of eruption.

2) Deciduous molars at 3-4 years old, first permanent molars at 6-7 years old, second permanent molars at 11-13 years old, and bicuspids at 9-13 years old.

3) For disabled children with poor oral hygiene, even if they are older or their teeth have been in the mouth for a long time, the age for pit and fissure sealing can be relaxed.

4. Non-indications

1) Teeth that have already suffered from caries or have been filled.

2) The teeth have not yet fully erupted and part of the occlusal surface is covered by the gums.

3) The occlusal surface has no deep pits and fissures and has good self-cleaning effect.

4) The child is uncooperative and cannot perform normal operations.

Generally speaking, middle-aged and elderly people have passed the susceptibility period for pit and fissure caries, and some have already developed caries. At the same time, the pits and fissures of the back teeth gradually become shallower or disappear as they are worn away by chewing food, so under normal circumstances there is no need for pit and fissure sealing.