Is it beneficial to have dental sealants applied on the grooves of teeth?

Generally, whether pit and fissure sealing is suitable for teeth should be determined based on the specific dental condition. Children and adolescents with newly erupted permanent teeth, or teeth with deep pits and fissures that easily trap food debris, are suitable candidates for this procedure. However, adults whose fissures have worn down and become shallow, or those who already have tooth decay, are not suitable. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the patient is a child or adolescent with newly erupted permanent teeth that have deep pits and fissures, an uneven tooth surface can easily accumulate food debris and bacteria. Given that oral hygiene abilities are typically weaker in this age group, pit and fissure sealing can create a protective barrier on the tooth surface to prevent bacterial invasion and reduce the risk of dental caries.

When the pits and fissures have naturally worn down and become shallow, the tooth surface is smooth without deep grooves, or there is already existing dental caries, pit and fissure sealing is not recommended. Once fissures become shallower, food debris is less likely to accumulate, making additional sealing unnecessary.

For daily dental care, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time, and rinsing the mouth or using dental floss to clean between teeth after meals. Regular dental checkups are also essential: children should visit the dentist every six months, and adults at least once a year, to detect any dental issues promptly.