Fissure Sealants for Kids: A Simple Way to Help Prevent Cavities

Q: What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options , including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have deep, narrow grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them harder to reach with a toothbrush. A literature review reports that approximately 90% of decay in children's permanent back teeth occurs in these grooves.

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings applied to these surfaces to help prevent tooth decay. The application is quick, painless and does not usually require drilling.

In this article, we will explain why children's back teeth are more prone to cavities, how fissure sealants work, what research says about their effectiveness and safety, and how they complement regular brushing, fluoride and dental check-ups.

Why Children’s Back Teeth Are Most at Risk of Cavities

Several factors make children's back teeth particularly vulnerable to cavities, even with regular brushing:

Timing of eruption

The first permanent molars usually appear around age six, behind the baby teeth rather than replacing them. A 2024 study identifies these teeth as particularly susceptible to cavities among school-aged children.

The child’s enamel will become more resistant to acid over time.

Developing enamel

When permanent teeth first come through, their enamel continues to mature and become more resistant to acid over time. This makes them more vulnerable to decay, particularly during the mixed dentition stage, when children have both baby and permanent teeth.

Child eating snacks regularly can increase the risk of cavities.

Everyday habits

Bacteria in dental plaque produce acids when they break down sugars. Frequent sugary snacks and inadequate brushing can increase the risk of cavities, especially while children are still developing their brushing skills.

Together, these factors help explain why cavities can develop even in children who brush regularly. Fissure sealants provide additional protection for vulnerable back teeth, alongside brushing, fluoride and a balanced diet. Our team can also offer practical advice on maintaining your children's oral health.

Are Fissure Sealants Effective and Safe For Children?

Fissure sealants help prevent cavities in children's back teeth.

Fissure sealants are a well-established way to help prevent cavities in children's back teeth. A systematic review found that teeth treated with sealants were less likely to develop decay than those without them.

Sealants may also help prevent very early tooth decay from progressing, provided a cavity has not yet formed. Your dentist will assess each tooth first to determine whether sealants are suitable.

In terms of safety, fissure sealants are generally considered safe, with no common risks reported. Some resin-based dental materials may contain trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in certain plastics.

However, the Australian Dental Association's policy statement explains that any exposure is very small, mainly occurring within the first 24 hours after application, with no evidence linking long-term exposure from dental materials to adverse health effects.

If you have concerns about the materials used, your dentist can explain the options available.

Fissure Sealants and Fluoride: How They Work Together

Fissure sealants and fluoride both help prevent tooth decay, but they work in different ways. Using them together can provide more complete protection for children's teeth.

Different roles, same goal

Fissure sealants create a physical barrier over the deep grooves of back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped. Some sealants also contain fluoride. Fluoride, on the other hand, helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to the acids that cause decay.

Children can get fluoride from fluoridated tap water.

Everyday fluoride protection

Children can get fluoride from toothpaste and fluoridated tap water, which is available in many parts of Australia. Brushing twice daily with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste helps protect tooth surfaces, including areas that fissure sealants do not cover.

Fluoride varnish is applied by the dentist to help prevent decay.

Additional protection with fluoride varnish

Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride treatment applied to the teeth by a dental professional to help prevent decay. A systematic review examined the effectiveness of both fissure sealants and fluoride varnish in preventing cavities in children's first permanent molars.

Your dentist can recommend the most suitable preventive treatments based on your child's dental needs.

Dentist checking the child’s teeth for early signs of decay.

Regular dental check-ups

During a dental check-up, your dentist can check whether existing sealants are still intact and look for early signs of decay. Check-ups are commonly recommended around every six months, although your dentist may suggest a different interval depending on your child's oral health.

Fissure Sealants at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)

Deciding whether your child needs fissure sealants is easier with guidance from a caring dental team.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), Dr Vanessa Yew, Dr Shin Ying Chia and the team look at your child’s back teeth, brushing habits and overall oral health before recommending whether sealants are suitable, and explain each step in a calm way. If you would like to know what the treatment involves, you can read more on our fissure sealants page.

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, the clinic also welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

If you are ready to find out whether fissure sealants may suit your child, book an appointment with My Dentist Geelong (Highton) to discuss the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are children’s back teeth more prone to cavities?

The back teeth have deep, narrow grooves that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. The first permanent molars also come through around age six, and their enamel is still maturing, which makes them more vulnerable to decay. Frequent sugary snacks and brushing skills that are still developing can add to the risk.

Do fissure sealants stop all cavities?

No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but they do not cover the other surfaces of the teeth. They work best alongside brushing with fluoride toothpaste, a balanced diet and regular dental check-ups.

Are fissure sealants safe for children?

Fissure sealants are generally considered safe, and Healthdirect reports no common risks. Some resin-based materials may contain trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), but the Australian Dental Association says any exposure is very small, mainly in the first 24 hours after placement, with no evidence linking long-term exposure to harm.

If you have questions about the materials, our dentist can explain them.

Can fissure sealants help if my child already has early decay?

They may. Sealants can help stop very early decay from getting worse, as long as a cavity has not yet formed. Your dentist will assess each tooth first to decide whether sealing is suitable or whether another treatment is needed.

What is the difference between fissure sealants and fluoride?

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings placed over the deep grooves of the back teeth to stop food and bacteria from getting trapped.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in toothpaste, many tap water supplies and some professional dental treatments, and it works by strengthening tooth enamel so it can better resist the acids that cause decay.

They work in different ways, so they are often used together.

Does my child need fluoride varnish as well?

Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride treatment applied by a dental professional to help prevent decay. Whether your child would benefit depends on their individual needs, so your dentist can recommend the most suitable preventive treatments.

How often should my child have a check-up after getting sealants?

Check-ups are commonly recommended around every six months, although your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your child’s oral health. At each visit, your dentist can check that the sealants are still in good condition and look for early signs of decay.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are a preventive treatment, so they are usually booked ahead. If your child has a toothache, swelling or a broken tooth, the clinic offers same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.