Many parents only realize the importance of dental care when the first cavity appears. Yet during childhood, teeth, especially molars, are at their most vulnerable stage.
On the chewing surfaces of molars, there are small grooves that often go unnoticed. These areas are not always easily cleaned, even with good brushing habits. This is not due to parental neglect, but rather to the natural anatomy of the teeth, which includes hard-to-reach surfaces.
This is where molar caries often begin, developing gradually and without early symptoms. Fissure sealant is not a treatment for existing problems, but a form of early protection.
Why Are Children's Molars More Prone to Cavities?
Even when children brush their teeth regularly, molar caries are still commonly found. The primary reason lies in the anatomy of molars, which have pits and fissures, narrow and deep grooves on the chewing surface.
These grooves:
Are difficult for toothbrush bristles to reach
Easily trap food debris and plaque
Become ideal areas for cavity-causing bacteria
In children, brushing skills are still developing. The combination of molar anatomy and less-than-optimal brushing technique makes the back teeth particularly vulnerable. For this reason, preventing cavities in children should begin early, even before decay develops.
What Is a Fissure Sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin, resin-based protective layer applied to the chewing surface of molars. It works by sealing pits and fissures that are difficult to clean.
As a protective coating for children's teeth, fissure sealants:
Seal narrow grooves on molars
Prevent food particles and bacteria from entering fissures
Significantly reduce the risk of cavities
Fissure sealant is not a filling, as it is applied to healthy teeth that have not yet developed cavities. It is part of preventive dental care, with the primary goal of keeping teeth intact during a child's growth period.
Ideal Timing for Application: The Mixed Dentition Period
Parents often ask when a sealant should be placed. In general, the ideal time to apply a fissure sealant is when the first permanent molars erupt, usually around the age of six to seven.
At this stage:
Permanent teeth have just emerged and remain free from damage
Children are in the mixed dentition phase, with both primary and permanent teeth
Early protection provides long-term benefits
Fissure sealants may also be considered for:
Second permanent molars, typically between the ages of eleven and thirteen
Primary teeth with very deep fissures and a high risk of decay
The decision to place a sealant is based on clinical evaluation rather than age alone. Regular dental check-ups are therefore recommended to maintain overall oral health in children.
A Comfortable and Child-Friendly Procedure
One of the key advantages of fissure sealants is that the procedure is simple and painless.
The general steps include:
Cleaning the tooth surface
Drying and preparing the tooth
Applying the sealant material to the fissures
Using a special light to harden the material
There is no drilling, no injections, and no discomfort. For this reason, fissure sealants are well suited for:
Children visiting the dentist for the first time
Children who feel anxious about dental treatment
Long-term preventive dental care programs
Pediatric Dental Care in Karawaci: The Onyx Dental Center Approach
As a pediatric dental clinic in Karawaci, Onyx Dental Center places strong emphasis on both the child's experience and family education.
Our approach includes:
Comprehensive assessment of cavity risk
Parent education on at-home dental care for children
A child-friendly, pressure-free environment
Preventive dentistry as the foundation of long-term oral health
We believe that maintaining children's oral health from an early age is a valuable investment in their future quality of life.
Conclusion
Caring for a child's teeth is not about how quickly problems are treated, but about how appropriately protection is provided during the early stages of growth. Fissure sealant is a simple yet effective way to prevent cavities in children, particularly in molars with deep grooves. With a comfortable and pain-free procedure, fissure sealants are an ideal preventive solution during childhood.
Through timely care and proper education, children's oral health can be preserved from an early age. At Onyx Dental Center, we are committed to supporting families in creating healthy smiles that last into adulthood.
Learn more about Onyx Dental Center Treatments:
Proper consultation is always the first step toward determining the most suitable solution for your individual needs.
References
Naaman, R., El-Housseiny, A. A., & Alamoudi, N. (2017). The Use of Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Literature Review. Dentistry Journal, 5(4), 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj5040034
Einolahzadeh, K., & Bahmani, A. (2024). Parental education on fissure sealant: A literature review. Journal of Research in Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences, 9(3), 216–221. https://doi.org/10.61186/jrdms.9.3.216
Sreedevi, A., Brizuela, M., & Mohamed, S. (2025). Pit and fissure sealants. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448116/
