Teeth are very difficult to keep clean. There are spaces, depressions, tongues, cheeks, pits, and fissures than make it easy for food debris to hide and hard for us to remove. Thoroughly removing food debris from the chewing surfaces of our teeth is particularly challenging for children and those with disabilities. These surfaces can be protected, however, with a process called pit and fissure sealants, also called dental sealants,
Pit and fissure sealants were designed to help protect the surfaces of young teeth where plaque and debris hide and cannot be removed. Well place sealants have been shown to significantly reduce tooth decay in children, on both permanent and primary molars. This is achieved by preparing the area to be treated and covering it with a protective coating of plastic. RDHAPS do not remove tooth surface when placing pit and fissure sealants. They securely cover the pit or fissure to eliminate the chance of debris and plaque biofilm falling into the pit and causing a cavity. Once placed, sealants should be checked periodically by a dentist, dental hygienist, or your RDHAP. Click on this link to another blog post with a graphic of sealant placement and more details. www.flickr.com/photos/139956189@N06/41673823762 Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors. Guest authors are responsible for the material in their posts. The material shared is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical or dental advice. The accuracy of information in these posts are not guaranteed. RDHAP Connect is not responsible for the actions of products or advertisers linked to posts.
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AuthorElena Francisco, RDHAP, MS has been practicing dental hygiene for over 40 years and has been an RDHAP since 2005. Archives
December 2020
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors. Guest authors are responsible for the material in their posts. The material shared is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical or dental advice. The accuracy of information in these posts are not guaranteed. RDHAP Connect is not responsible for the actions of products or advertisers linked to posts.
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