Fluoride and fissure sealants work in different ways. Fluoride strengthens enamel chemically. Sealants block food and bacteria out of the grooves where decay usually starts. Together they address the two ways back teeth typically fail.
What fluoride does
Fluoride helps enamel repair itself after acid attacks and makes it more resistant to the next one. It also reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid. Its use in toothpaste is one of the most studied preventive measures in medicine.
For most children a fluoride toothpaste used twice a day is the core protection. A dental team may also apply a professional fluoride varnish during a visit for children at higher risk of decay.
Using fluoride safely
Amount and supervision are what matter.
- A rice-grain smear under age three; a pea-sized amount from three onwards
- Keep toothpaste out of a young child's reach so it is not eaten
- Encourage spitting out rather than swallowing, and do not rinse with water afterwards
- Ask the dental team before adding any extra fluoride product for a child
What sealants do
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that a toothbrush bristle cannot fully clean. A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating flowed into those grooves and set, leaving a smooth surface that is far easier to keep clean.
Application involves no drilling and no injection. The tooth is cleaned and dried, the sealant is placed and set, and the bite is checked. It is usually one of the easiest appointments a child will have.
Who benefits most
Sealants are most often considered for newly erupted adult molars, for teeth with deep or stained grooves, and for children who have already had decay or who find thorough brushing difficult. Sealants can wear over time, so they are checked at routine visits and repaired when needed.
The short version
Fluoride strengthens the tooth; sealants shield the grooves. Neither replaces brushing, and both are far cheaper and easier than treating the cavity they prevent.
This article gives general dental health information and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for your child. For advice specific to your family, please speak to our team at the clinic.