The deep grooves on the biting surfaces of children's back teeth are the most cavity-prone spots in the mouth. At Smile Spot in Mawson Lakes, fissure sealants fill these grooves with a thin protective coating — a quick, painless procedure that can significantly reduce the risk of decay in these vulnerable teeth.
The permanent molars and premolars that erupt during childhood and adolescence have complex biting surfaces filled with deep pits and fissures. These grooves are an ideal environment for decay — they trap food particles and bacteria, and they are often so narrow that toothbrush bristles cannot reach the deepest parts to clean them effectively. Even children who brush conscientiously can struggle to keep these surfaces clean.
It is no coincidence that the biting surfaces of back teeth account for a disproportionately high share of cavities in children and teenagers. At Smile Spot in Mawson Lakes, we see this pattern regularly, which is why we discuss fissure sealants with the families of children as their permanent molars come through. A small, preventive step early on can save a tooth from needing a filling — or worse, more extensive treatment — in the years ahead.
Fissure sealants do not replace brushing, flossing, and a sensible diet — they work best as part of a broader approach to oral health. But they fill in the grooves that are hardest to clean and provide a physical barrier that makes those surfaces much less hospitable to the bacteria that cause decay. For many children, sealants are one of the most cost-effective preventive measures we can offer.
The fissure sealant procedure is completely painless and does not require any drilling or injections, which makes it an excellent introduction to dental treatment for children who may be nervous about dental appointments. Most children find the experience straightforward and far less daunting than they anticipated.
We begin by cleaning and drying the tooth surface carefully. The grooves are then treated with a mild conditioning solution that prepares the enamel surface to bond effectively with the sealant material. This is rinsed away, the tooth is dried thoroughly, and the liquid sealant resin is carefully painted into all the fissures.
A curing light is then used to set the resin in a matter of seconds, after which the sealant is checked and any high spots on the bite are gently adjusted. The whole process for each tooth takes only a few minutes, and multiple teeth can be sealed in a single appointment. There are no restrictions after the appointment — your child can eat and drink normally.
We check the condition of existing sealants at every routine appointment and top up any areas that show wear or where the sealant has lifted. This ensures the protection remains effective over the years as the tooth continues to bear the forces of chewing.
Smile Spot is located at Coventry Street in Mawson Lakes, close to the UniSA Mawson Lakes campus, The Lakes shopping precinct, and Mawson Lakes Boulevard. Families from Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, Parafield, Para Hills, and Ingle Farm regularly bring their children to us for preventive care appointments.
Our evening hours — Monday to Thursday until 7 pm — make it practical to book children's appointments without needing to take time off school or arrange around a parent's work schedule. We see children from a young age and aim to make each visit a positive experience, building the kind of comfortable relationship with dental care that supports good oral health habits for life.
Fissure sealants are typically applied during a check-up appointment when new molars are identified as good candidates, so there is often no need for a separate appointment. Your dentist will assess the teeth, discuss the recommendation with you, and apply the sealants on the same visit when possible. If you have questions about whether fissure sealants are appropriate for your child, bring it up at your next check-up or give us a call at the Mawson Lakes practice.
Fissure sealants protect the biting surfaces of back teeth, but good home habits remain essential for overall dental health. Help younger children brush their teeth, or check that older children are brushing all surfaces thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age is important — use a pea-sized amount for children over three. Flossing between teeth, where sealants do not reach, should also become a part of the routine as children develop the dexterity to do it.
Diet plays a significant role in children's dental health. Reducing the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks — particularly sticky sweets and fruit juices — is one of the most impactful changes a family can make. Water is always the preferred drink between meals. Consistent check-up appointments every six months allow us to monitor the sealants, assess cavity risk, and catch any early concerns before they become more complex problems. We look forward to being part of your family's dental care in Mawson Lakes.
Fissure sealants are most beneficial when applied shortly after the permanent back teeth erupt, before any decay has had a chance to develop. The first permanent molars typically erupt around age six, and the second permanent molars around age twelve. We check these teeth at routine appointments and recommend sealants when the teeth are fully through and the grooves appear at risk. Children do not need to be a specific age — timing is based on tooth eruption.
Yes, fissure sealants have been used in dentistry for decades and have a well-established safety record. Modern sealants are BPA-free resin materials. The application is completely non-invasive — no drilling, no anaesthetic, and no discomfort. The tooth surface is simply cleaned, conditioned, and the liquid resin is painted into the grooves before being set with a curing light.
Sealants can last several years when looked after properly, though they are checked at every routine visit and topped up if any areas show wear or lifting. Biting on hard objects can chip sealants, so it is worth encouraging children to avoid using their teeth to crack nuts or open packaging. Even if a sealant partially wears away, it still reduces the depth of the groove and lowers the cavity risk during the time it is in place.
Sealants are most commonly placed in children because adults tend to already have either fillings or decay in the fissures of their back teeth. However, if an adult has deep, cavity-free grooves on their back teeth, sealants can be a useful preventive measure, particularly for those who have a history of decay or are at higher risk. Ask your dentist at your next check-up whether you or your children could benefit.
Book a check-up at Smile Spot Mawson Lakes and ask about fissure sealants. Evening appointments available Monday to Thursday for busy families.
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