Fissure sealants are one of the most exciting developments in the area of preventive dentistry.

Fissure sealants are plastic coatings that are placed on the surface of molar teeth that have deep grooves and pits.

The grooves and pits are natural traps where food particles and bacteria can accumulate. Together the food and bacteria cause tooth decay to start.

The situation is made worse by the fact that these grooves are too deep and narrow to be cleaned by tooth brushing.

Fissure sealants, once they are bonded to the tooth, seal off these grooves and prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped. Fissure sealants can therefore completely stop cavities from starting on the surfaces of teeth that they are placed on.

Fissure sealants are most effective if they can be placed on molar teeth as soon as possible after these teeth erupt into the mouth. The teeth that are most often chosen for sealants are permanent molar teeth and sometimes permanent bicuspid teeth.

This means that the best ages for placing fissure sealants are around ages six to seven years and ages 12 to 13 years.

How sealants are applied First the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, then dried. This is followed by the application of a weak acid solution similar to lemon juice. This allows the sealant to stick to the tooth surface.

The tooth is thoroughly rinsed for 30 seconds, and then dried. The tooth is then kept dry with cotton rolls and the liquid plastic sealant is placed on the tooth with a brush.

The sealant hardens to a hard plastic in approximately 60 seconds. It is then checked with a probe to ensure the surface is completely sealed.

Sealants were first used in the Government dental programme 15 years ago.

Emphasis on using sealants has increased in the clinics in the last few years.

Also, for the first time a school fissure sealant programme has beenlaunched.

The Government dental hygienist is travelling to selected schools. At these schools sealants are applied on the permanent molar teeth of children whose parents have signed a consent form.

Portable equipment is used and set up right in the schools. Children in grades Primary one, two and seven are targeted for this free service.

For more information of Fissure Sealants -- contact your Dentist or Dental Hygienist. Brenda Harris-Scott Dental Hygienist Department of Health.

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