Fissure Sealants - Role in Dental Public Health in Context to Pakistan

Abstract

Literature reports that first molars are the first to be lost due to dental caries in children globally. They also experience greater decay in pits and fissures which are relatively inaccessible to regular oral hygiene aids. Many preventive strategies have been instituted for reducing dental caries in general among children. Pits and fissures caries are difficult to counter by fluoridation alone. The role of pits and fissures sealants in dental public health programs have become significantespecially in children. Such programs have been targeted towards private practice globally in the past. In a country with deprived economic conditions, health care system and low literacy rate the success of such a program is unlikely. This articlehighlights the significance of caries prevention in general and the role of fissure sealants in dental public health programs in particular. Limitations of such programs and possible solutions to have a greater impact on prevention through sealants in a cost effective manner in context to local circumstances are also mentioned.