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Have you ever had a fissure sealant? They’re for children, right? Wrong!

Fissure sealants are one of the best ways to help prevent dental caries (cavities) and should be considered for adults and children alike. There really is no age limit.

So now you’re asking, what is a fissure seal? Well it’s simple really. A sealant forms a protective layer over your tooth that keeps food and bacteria from getting stuck in the tiny grooves and therefore prevents decay. The process is quick and easy and only takes a few minutes per tooth.

Children, adolescents and adults who are assessed as being at high risk of caries or cavities should have fissure sealant applied and maintained on all permanent teeth.

Oral health statistics for Irish children show that 22% of 8-year-olds, over 50% of 12-year-olds and approximately 75% of 15-year-olds have experienced decay in their permanent teeth.

Among Irish children, almost all (97%) of the decay in permanent teeth of 8-year-olds occurs in the first permanent molars. That’s an outstandingly high percentage for something that can be so easily prevented.

Figures show that molar teeth sealed with fissure sealants had 78% less caries after 2 years and 60% less after 4–4.5 years compared to unsealed molars.

In Ireland, there are a number of factors associated with higher caries levels in children and adults. Some of these include disadvantaged status, lifetime exposure to nonfluorinated water, toothbrushing less than twice a day and snacking on sugary foods or drinks more than twice a day (which a lot of us are guilty of).

Don’t wait for your dentist to tell you that you need a filling. Pop into see one of our dentists for a check-up and they will be able to apply the fissure sealants then and there. It’s as easy as that! No mess, no stress, no hassle….and more importantly, no fillings!