THE best thing a parent wishes for their child as far as dentistry is concerned is achieving a great smile, without stains, decay or any pain involved.

Modern parents have become more involved and attentive with anything tooth related, they ask more questions and are more literate on dental issues due to the internet privilege.

Even so, no matter how attentive the parent can be, children still show signs of tooth decay or caries, hence in the quest to finding the best way to stop or slow down this process, they ask questions.

How best can I prevent caries from spreading or even forming?

Is there anything you can help me with to make my child brush their teeth effectively?

The answer to these questions lies in something called dental sealants.

While dental caries is quite common, the distribution of caries is unequal depending on the tooth surface involved.

The human tooth has four tooth surfaces the buccal surface known as the tooth surface opposite to cheek surface, the lingual or palatal (the part opposite the tongue on the lower jaw or palate on the upper jaw, the interproximal surface (the surface which is opposite the adjacent tooth) which is usually hard to reach and can only be cleaned by a floss), then lastly the occlusal surface which is the chewing surface.

Tooth decay is more common or starts on the chewing surfaces mainly for two reasons. First, newly erupted, immature tooth enamel has high organic content and is more permeable, which makes it more susceptible to caries attack.

Second, the back teeth are mainly made up of different grooves which aid in channelling food and increasing surface area during chewing.

However, these grooves provide an environment for plaque retention and bacteria proliferation and are very difficult to reach by a normal bristled toothbrush, especially for children.

Recent data indicates that approximately 90% of caries in permanent teeth of children occur in these grooves and about two thirds of caries are on the occlusal surface alone.

Therefore, there is a need to take your children to the dentist as their teeth begin to erupt because brushing only will not suffice, especially if they brush without the parent's guidance.

At the dental clinic there is something called a dental sealant, the function is mainly in the name, it is a coating meant to seal those grooves to prevent plaque from being left out during brushing which increases the risk of tooth decay.

They also provide a physical barrier to micro-organism colonisation and creating a favourable environment for the patients to clean.

Some sealants release fluoride ions to promote remineralisation.

It is also important to note that dental sealants are equally significant in both the primary and permanent teeth.

Although primary teeth will fall out applying sealants on them will guarantee a healthier permanent tooth.

There are different types of sealants and all of them have different advantages, but the most used and long- lasting one is the resin sealant, which has a preventive fraction of up to 61% after five years and 80% in two years.

Whereas the other sealant, called glass ionomer, though it releases flouride overtime to help strengthen the enamel, it has a lower retention rate of up to 44% in two years.

Therefore, the type applied determines the duration and longevity of the sealant.

Dental sealants are every child's need, especially the high-risk group when caries is in its initial stages of development and can only be diagnosed by a dental professional.

It is important to have them done before tooth decay has formed into a cavity and will need drilling and a more extensive filling.

Usually, children do not like the sounds of drills as well as the administration of an anaesthetic.

Having a child go through all these procedures for something a parent should have prevented is not ideal.

Prevention is always better than cure.

Which teeth should the dentist apply the sealant to?

Traditionally, non-decayed first and second permanent molars with deep fissures are the candidates for sealants.

However, recommendations have been extended to any tooth at risk of developing caries or tooth decay, including primary teeth; permanent molars with incipient, non-activated lesions; and/or premolars.

Usually, parents cannot determine whether the child is at risk or not due to lack of knowledge on tooth decay indication techniques, but the dentist can.

Hence it is important to run to the dental office and seek advice on these related matters, the dentist will be more than willing to provide guidance and counsel.