Jasper as you are around can I ask you a question about coating 2nd teeth?

[blossomhill]

Just wondered what your thoughts were on coating 2nd teeth. My ds, who eats hardly any sweets or sugary things and brushes teeth religously, has had 3 fillings. I was at my NHS dentist today and I asked if he would coat ds's 2nd teeth and he said no because it would upset his natural defence or something? What do you think? Thanks BH

glad you asked this I have been wondering about it too

What is the youngest it can be done?

DS is 9 and only has a few adult teeth should we wait for them all or should it be done as soon as they arrive so they do not start the decay IYSWIM?

Does it hurt them and how long does it take to do?

sorry I have taken up so much space

Hi blossom.
Take it you mean fissure sealants?
They are great but in some cases not necessary. Hard to comment without seeing your ds's teeth. (also not strictly available on the NHS althought the rules for this are quite complicated)

Teeth with deep fissures can benefit from sealing. Not really sure what your dentist means
by upsetting the natural defences.

Kanga, no it does not hurt at all but the child has to keep very still and cooperate because if the tooth gets wet from saliva the seal won't stick. Sadly this means that the kids who don't cooperate well are usually the very ones who would benefit!

The sooner afer eruption the better - the first molars come in at about age six and can be sealed immediately if the child will sit still.These are the teeth most commonly sealed.
Premolars are not often sealed.

There is a good recent thread about this on mumsnet.

Thanks Jasper, that was really helpful

thanks jasper

DS is usually very good at dentists and so perhaps it will work for him.

I will ask next time we go.