Is dental fissure sealing necessary?

Generally, whether dental fissure sealants are necessary depends on the condition of the teeth. It is usually recommended for newly erupted permanent teeth in children and adolescents, especially when the fissures are deep and difficult to clean. However, if the fissures are shallow, the teeth are already decayed, or for adult permanent teeth, fissure sealants are generally unnecessary. It is advisable to consult a dentist to make a decision based on individual circumstances. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the patient is a child or adolescent with newly erupted permanent teeth that have deep fissures, food debris tends to accumulate easily, and children often lack the ability to brush effectively. In this case, fissure sealants can form a protective barrier to prevent bacterial invasion and effectively prevent dental caries, which is important for maintaining dental health.

When the fissures are shallow and can be cleaned effectively with regular brushing, when the teeth are already decayed with cavities, or when the fissures of adult permanent teeth have flattened due to long-term use, fissure sealants are usually unnecessary. Decayed teeth should be filled first, and teeth with shallow or flattened fissures can be kept clean with thorough brushing.

It is important to brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily for no less than two minutes each time and rinse the mouth after meals. Use dental floss to clean between teeth to reduce debris accumulation, and have regular dental checkups every six months to one year to identify and address problems early.