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Have you noticed black lines in the pits of your molars? Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity in your back teeth? This could be because a prime location for tooth decay to occur is in the pits and fissures of your teeth. Whether you think you might have a cavity or want to know more about preventing tooth decay, here's a guide for what you need to know about pit and fissure cavities.
Pits and fissures are the deep grooves that make up the chewing surfaces of your teeth. These grooves are on both your premolars and molars, but a pit and fissure cavity is usually deeper on the molars than on the premolars.
Although pits and fissures help you to chew, food can still get stuck in these grooves. Plaque, a bacterial film that forms on your teeth, can also accumulate here if not cleaned regularly. It's difficult to reach these areas with your toothbrush, so food and plaque can remain in place and often lead to cavity formation.
When the bacteria in your plaque feed on sugars from foods and drinks, it produces acids that attack your protective tooth enamel. Over time, your enamel wears down, and tooth decay can set in.
Pit and fissure cavity prevention starts at home. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, especially after large or otherwise sugary meals. When you brush, pay attention to the surfaces of every tooth, including the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where pits and fissures are most prevalent.
Your dental professional can also help you prevent pit and fissure cavities by curbing the initial decay. Alongside basic scaling when they scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth, your dentist or dental hygienist might also apply protective material known as a dental sealant to your premolars and molars. A dental sealant is a white or clear plastic coating that fills in your pits and fissures and prevents plaque and food from getting inside. This product is usually applied to children's teeth as soon as their permanent teeth erupt – between the ages of six and 12 – but it can also be used on adult teeth if your dentist determines that you need it.
If the cavity reaches the dentin, your dentist will use dental restorations like fillings, composites, or crowns to repair the decay. Fillings and composites are used for smaller and medium decay areas, whereas crowns are used to repair more considerable tooth decay, compromising the tooth's structure itself.
Pit and fissure cavities may be harder to reach, but they are preventable with a good oral hygiene routine and the help of your dentist at 6-month cleaning appointments and check-ups.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
