Paul Shadid Jr., DDS | Amanda Wendelken, DDS
Paul Shadid Jr., DDS | Amanda Wendelken, DDS

Deep Grooves in Teeth: How Sealants Protect Against Cavities

FAQ

What are dental fissures?
Dental fissures are deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, especially molars. These natural ridges can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities.
How do dental sealants prevent cavities?
Sealants create a protective layer over the grooves in back teeth, sealing out food and bacteria and reducing the risk of decay by up to 80%.
Is it worth getting dental sealants?
Yes, sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and avoid more expensive treatments like fillings or crowns later on.

What Are Dental Fissures?

Dental fissures are the natural grooves and ridges on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, especially molars. These grooves and pits are completely natural to your tooth anatomy and almost everyone has them to some degree.

However, problems can arise when these grooves are so deep and narrow that they become difficult to clean with a toothbrush. That means food and bacteria may linger there, even with great at-home hygiene. Over time, this trapped bacteria leads to cavities and tooth decay.

Why Cavities Form in Pits and Grooves

A cavity is an area of tooth decay caused by bacteria. When the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, it produces acid that weakens and erodes your tooth enamel. Over time, this damage will create a hole that will grow bigger if left untreated. 

9 in 10 cavities occur in the back teeth. The grooves in back teeth are especially prone to cavities because fissures are narrow and deep, which makes them an easy trap for food, and especially difficult to clean.

How to Prevent Cavities in Pits and Grooves

Preventing cavities in molars requires special attention and care. Daily hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the foundation of good oral health. If you notice fissures in your molars, or already have cavities in some molars, here are some steps you can take to prevent cavities:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle the bristles into the pits and grooves while brushing.
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Avoid sticky snacks that may get stuck in teeth.
  • Drink plenty of plain, non-carbonated water to help rinse bacteria away between meals.
  • Speak to your dental health care professional about sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a protective coating placed directly onto the chewing surface of back teeth. The process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling. Your dental professional simply cleans the grooves, “paints” the sealant material into the grooves, where it bonds to the tooth enamel and hardens to a smooth protective barrier.

Sealants are a smart, simple way to prevent cavities before they start. Plus, sealants are much more affordable than treating a cavity. Compared to the cost of a filling, sealants are a low-cost way to protect your enamel and avoid bigger dental problems down the road.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Sealants offer many advantages, including:

  • Powerful cavity prevention: Studies show sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%.
  • Painless application: Sealants require no numbing, drilling, or discomfort, and can typically be placed the same day as your regular hygiene visit.
  • Cost-effective care: Preventing a cavity with sealants is much less costly than filling or treating a tooth later.
  • Long-lasting protection: Sealants can protect teeth for several years before needing touch-ups.

Is a Dental Sealant Right for You or Your Child?

Sealants are most commonly recommended for children when their adult molars first come in, usually starting around age 6, because studies show that school-aged children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. But adults can benefit too! If you have deep grooves in your teeth, sealants are a smart preventive step.

Next Steps: Protect Your Smile Before Decay Starts

Deep grooves in teeth are natural but can leave smiles vulnerable to cavities. Dental sealants provide an easy, comfortable solution to block decay before it begins—especially for children and teens.

If you want to know whether sealants are right for you or your child, schedule a visit with us. Together, we can build a preventive plan that keeps your smile strong and healthy for years to come.