Does my child need dental sealants?

Generally, whether a child needs pit and fissure sealing depends on the condition of their teeth. It is typically recommended when a child's permanent teeth have newly erupted, and the grooves on the teeth are deep and difficult to clean. However, if the grooves are shallow, if the teeth already have cavities, or if the permanent teeth have not yet erupted, pit and fissure sealing is usually unnecessary. It is advisable to consult a dentist to make a decision based on the specific situation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a child is between 6 and 12 years old and has recently erupted first or second permanent molars, these teeth often have deep grooves where food debris and bacteria can easily accumulate. Considering that children may lack sufficient brushing strength and technique to thoroughly clean these areas, pit and fissure sealing can create a protective barrier on the tooth surface, preventing bacterial invasion, effectively reducing the risk of dental caries, and protecting the health of permanent teeth.

If the grooves on a child's teeth are naturally shallow and can be easily cleaned with regular brushing, or if the teeth already show signs of decay, such as dark spots or cavities, or if the permanent teeth have not yet erupted during the primary dentition stage, pit and fissure sealing is generally not necessary.

In daily life, it is important to help children develop good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth twice daily (morning and night) with fluoride toothpaste for no less than two minutes each time. Parents can assist in checking the cleaning effectiveness. Rinsing the mouth promptly after meals and using children's dental floss to clean between teeth is also recommended.